Symbols of Good Fortune in Chinese Textiles
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Collar Decoration for Women's Court Dress with Peonies and Phoenixes (detail)
China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th centuryAsian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 5
February 3, 2026 (Tue) - April 19, 2026 (Sun)Since ancient times, people in China have expressed their hopes for health and happiness by decorating their clothing and everyday items with symbols associated with good fortune.
For example, the dragon was used to signify good fortune and virtue, while also serving as a symbol of strength and the emperor. Similarly, the peony represented wealth and nobility, while chrysanthemums, peaches, and butterflies symbolized eternal youth and longevity.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Collar Decoration for Women's Court Dress with Peonies and Phoenixes | China | Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century | TI-475 | |||
| Highlight | Jacket (Magua) with Flowers and Butterflies | China | Qing dynasty, 19th century | TI-378-1 | |||
| Highlight | Decorative Cuff with Musical Instruments, Flowering Plants, Lingzhi Mushrooms, and Bats | China | Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century | TI-91 |