Stage outfit
Costumes
Inventory number
2023.7.24.5ac.CO.SC.C1980.CNDescription
Women's stage outfit made of a green and pink silk jacket, with a high collar, two fabric buttons and a ribbon. It is embroidered with a vegetal pattern. A green apron is completing the outfit, adorned with a chrysanthemum. A matching green fringed belt is embroidered with butterflies.Chrysanthemum has a deep symbolism in confucianist beliefs, it is one of the "four gentlemen" plants symbolizing virtues. Butterfly is linked to taoïsm through the fable of the Dreaming Butterfly, written by Zhuangzi, a widely-known narrative in China. The two long sleeves of the jacket, called "water sleeves", are frequent in Chinese opera and ballet costumes. They allow the wearer to make elegant moves evoking delicate ripples of water.
This item makes part of an ensemble donated by Christophe DUBOIS RUBIO, which was formerly belonging to Russian poet Larissa ANDERSEN (1916-2012). She spent her youth years in China, then lived in different places including Tahiti and Saïgon. She settled in Yssingeaux (France) for her retirement.