Embroidered silk satin skirt in silk and metal threads, China, second half of 19th century Embroidered silk satin skirt. The skirt is made in two sections, each composed of several pieces of satin which are pleated on to a wide linen band having a loop at each end for attachment. Lined with blue silk. The outside of the skirt is trimmed with narrow black satin bands which end in scalloped scrolls, woven braids, and a border of white satin embroidered in pink, blue, green and white silks and silver threads in satin stitch and couching with a design of flowers, scrolls, butterflies and endless knots. Two panels of embroidery in coloured silks in Chinese knot stitch and couched silver thread and white cord depict vases of flowers and fruit. The lower part of the skirt is embroidered elsewhere with butterfly, bamboo and flower motifs in blue, green and white.