The
background is the mural of the 23 deeds of filial piety. In the Chinese
Culture, a display of filial piety is essential due to the influence
of Confucius teachings. Photo taken at Chin Swee Temple.
::
The Chinese Qipao ::
The
Qipao is on the top of one's mind when people mentioned the
Chinese costume.
However, the Qipao was not always the dominant Chinese costume.
The history of the Qipao only dates back to the Manchurian
rule of the Qing Dynasty, which is the last dynasty in China.
The Manchurians were known as the Qi-ren (Banner People in
Mandarin). Thus, the dressing which they wore became known
as the Qi-pao (Banner Dress).
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The
Chinese Qipao is also known as the CheongSam (Long Dress in
Cantonese). The name "CheongSam" came about when
the Qipao became popular among the ladies in Shanghai around
the 1920s to 1950s.
Nevertheless, the Qipao evolved with its popularity in Shanghai.While
the original Qipao was loose fitting
and conservative looking, the Shanghai Qipao has a slender
fit and protrays elegance and sensuality.
A symbol of serene beauty, the Qipao is indeed a timeless
piece of Oriental fashion. |
The
famous (or rather infamous) Empress Dowager in the original
Qipao (Banner Dress) of the Qing Dynasty. Known for her spendtriftness
and notoriety, she accumulated a total of over 20,000 Qipaos
in her lifetime. |
The more sensual Qipao which evolved in Shanghai. This picture
is scanned from my collection of vintage Chinese print advertisements. |
This photo is taken at Kellies Castle, Ipoh (Malaysia). The silts
on the side of the Qipao enables movement on this snug-fitting garment.
However, it inevitably exposes a lady's legs as she walks, giving
a sensual appeal, at times provocative.
A
really Auspicious silk fabric which I bought from Chinatown.
I only realised that this fabric has a large amount of Chinese
Motifs only when I reached home. Each of this element represents
an auspicious significance and is believe to bring luck to
the wearer. How many elements can you spot?
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::
Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs ::
The
Qipao is usually made from pure silk Other materials such
as cotton, satin or satin brocade are commonly used as well.
Normally, silk is woven with floral patterns such as peony,
chrysanthemum or auspicious Chinese Motifs.
Chinese
Art has its beginnings in the Upper Paleolithic Period at
about 40,000 BC. Throughout the years, it has been influenced
mainly by the natural elements as well as Taosim and Indian
Buddhism influence. Without
understanding the significance of these cultural symbols,
it's impossible to appreciate Chinese Art.
:: Art Motifs on the Qipao Brocade above and its Correspondent
Significance ::
Lotus: purity and love, the lotus flowers grows in mud but
produces white and pure flower blooms. The lotus also represents
summer and fruitfulness.
Bat: Bat is pronounced as "fu" which also means
happiness in mandarin. According to Chinese folklore, bats
found in some caverns are 1000 years old and as white as silver.
Contrary to other cultures (think Dracula), bats represents
happiness and longevity
Peaches:
symbolise immoratality and spring-time. The god of longevity
in the Taoist religion is often depicted as issuing from a
peach. Peach charms are also wore on children to protect them
from death. |
Pomeganates:
with its numerous seeds, it symbolise a hope for numerous
offsprings acting with filial piety.
Bamboo: Grown throughout China, it symbolises longevity and
due to its hardiness, evergreen and flourishing even through
winter.
Dragon
ball: dragons represent power and vigour in life and paintings
always depict dragons playing with a ball.
Fishes
with Lotus: Fishes normally symbolise wealth and abundance,
as they are in abundant in Chinese waters. Fishes swimming
in pair is an emblem of the joys of a couple union.
Gold Coins: symbol of prosperity. A coin amulet is often worn
by a child to repel evil influence.
Goose: It is said to be the bird of "yang", the
principle of light in nature as it follows the sun in its
migration during the winter. Always flying in pairs, it represents
marital bliss.
Birds: happiness. Birds that are free to fly represents freedom
whereas a caged bird represents confinement and hindrances.
Thus, to liberate a captured bird is a good deed.
Flowers: love for the ladies
Gourd: longevity, mystery and necromancy. Gourds are useful
as receptacle for medicine and it is often drawn on the signboard
for medicine shops. It is also tied to the backs of the children
of the Canton boat people to assist them in floating if they
fall overboard.
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These
pictures are taken at Khoo Kong Si (Penang, Malaysia).
| This
Chinese Qipao features a high collar lined with fur. High collars
are often used in winter to protect from the cold. The furry
cape, lined with silk brocade is held together by a Chinese
Frog, which is a knotted button with designs such as twirls,
flowers and leaves.. An actual-size Frog button is pinned onto
Ume's hair. To accentuate her outfit, Ume carries a white cloisonne
bag with floral designs. |
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Why is the closure called a "Frog"?
(explained by Chinois_girl)
It's a Frog button because the closure is shaped like 2 frogs
facing each other. Where the frogs "kissed" is where
there is the knot and the little round twirl which goes over
it.
See the resemblence now?? ;D |
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All
works are Copyright 2004© jooli.com. Please seek permission
for use.
:: Good References on the Chinese Qipao ::
BOOKS
- C.C.S. Williams (2002), Chinese Symbolism & Art
motifs, Tuttle Publishing, Singapore
LINKS
- 'Chinese Qipao',
http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa011501a.htm,
( Accessed 16th October 2005)
- 'Qipao', http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qipao,
( Accessed 16th October 2005)
- Cao Juren, 'Evolution of the Qipao', http://www.womenofchina.com.cn/,
(Accessed 16th October 2005), 2nd September 2004 |
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