Family Works: A Multiplicity of Meanings and Contexts | http://www.concordia.ca/familyworks Anonymous, Manchu Bride’s Robe, late 19th c., silk tabby, tapestry (kesi) ornaments, details in black paint, 202 x 141 cm, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Multicoloured silk coats were commonplace throughout Imperial China, and were worn on both formal and everyday occasions. Each coat’s colour palette, decorative pattern and function are symbolic and adhere to the stylistic conventions of their respective dynasty and specific time period. This piece is a noble lady’s celebratory garment from the Guangxi period (late nineteenth century) of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), and is distinguished by nine multicoloured floral roundels, called kesi, across the front and back. The intricate medallions contain symbolic value: the flower and butterfly motifs signify fidelity; two winding gourds represent fertility; and a bat carrying a swastika symbolizes abundance and the mantra “May you have the greatest joy.” The coat’s wave borders, flowered sleeves and decorative cuffs are traditional designs of the Qing