Ancient China Clothing

During the Sui Dynasty in the 500 AD, the emperor declared that only the rich people could wear colors while the poor people had to be dressed in blue or black. Later on this changed completely but the rule of being properly attired to show stability in a personality prevailed. It was a true case of clothes maketh the man.

Apart from the type of robes in the ancient Chinese clothing , the symbols denoted on them is an equally important indicator of the wearer’s social standing. Symbolism denotes social standing, moral messages, and also told historical and legendary stories.

The symbols on ancient Chinese robes indicate the status of the individual who had worn the garment. For example, the number of dragons on a robe indicates a higher or lower official of the imperial court.

There are some typical symbols that one will find on ancient Chinese clothing. The Sun, the Moon, and the Constellation, The Rock or the Mountain, The Fu, The Dragon, The Axe-head, The Flowery Creature, The Water Plant, The Sacrificial Vessel, The Flames, The Grain, Crane, Geometric Patterns, Bats, Butterfly and Water Motif. All these twelve imperial motifs signify various things. Only an emperor could wear robes with all twelve symbols. A higher official could wear clothes with a maximum of eight symbols.

The work was so spectacular that it is a good thing that these restrictions are no longer in force in today’s day and age.

Filed under: Ancient China: Culture and Clothing on November 29th, 2008