A Large Framed Tibetan Chuba Robe

19th century, silk satin purple ground embroidered in silk with imperial empress motifs of peonies, phoenix, and Buddhist treasures in red, white, and gold, the robe is presented framed under glass.

Frame dimensions 66 x 52 x 2 1/4 in., Robe 76 x 59 in.

Textiles played a central role in Chinese diplomacy with neighboring states and gifts of silk were used to ease tensions along border regions and reinforce political alliances. The Chinese court sought to maintain stable relations with the influential Tibetan Buddhist communities, and during the Qing dynasty, the imperial court sent luxurious robes to Tibet. The Tibetans would alter these textiles, remaking them into Tibetan style garments. The chuba on offer here is an example of this practice.

For Tibetan chuba robes in museum collections, see the example from the Cleveland Museum of Art (2007.216), the robe made up of a former Chinese embroidery from the Kangxi period, and a 19th century robe with similar purple coloring to one on offer here at the San Antonio Museum of Art (2023.2.2)

Very good condition; some wear with loose threads at top of neck and lower hem edge; not examined outside of the frame.

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