Han Chinese Boy’s Robe (“One Hundred Households” Robe) with Patchwork Design

For many centuries, when a young boy of Han Chinese descent reached a certain age (one month, one year, or three years), all the neighbors in his village or town would contribute bits of silken fabric and embroidered items so that the proud mother could sew together a new garment for him. Those who contributed wished the child good fortune and protection from evil. This robe is a fine example of the so-called "one hundred household robe." The body is a patchwork scheme of hexagons with central embroidered motifs, such as auspicious flowers and fruits, butterflies, Daoist symbols with the Eight Trigrams, and seated boys, all on a multicolored ground. Applied multiple trims were added, some possibly at a later date.