CHINESE LADY LINGERIE IN ANCIENT CHINA (1) - Aspiration Beyond Body
10th Nov 2017
Throughout the development of Chinese women lingerie, ancient Chinese lingerie has been used to express the yearns for beauty and the performance of feeling and of body in delicate, subtle ways. Almost every piece of lingerie has a theme and story. The Dudou is a bodice that has been used by women since ancient China. The production cycle of each piece lasts from a few months to several years, and there are differences in craft techniques used to produce them. The Chinese women of the past conveyed the voices of their hearts through the sewing, and colourful totems to convey their deep wishes.
Dudou: Period - The Republic of China; Totem - three wishes
Pomegranate, Bergamot and Peach-Shaped Flowers express the wish for more children longevity and happiness.
Corset: Period - The Republic of China; Totem - fame and wealth
In Chinese, "公(公鸡)鸣” (Gōngmíng) meaning a rooster’s crow sounds like "功名”(Gōngmíng) meaning fame. The peony is a symbol of the rich.
Corset (back): Period - Middle Qing Dynasty; Totem - safe and prosperous
In Chinese, “瓶”(píng) means vase and “平(平安)”(Píng’ān) means safety. This homophone along with the varieties of blooming flowers symbolize a rich and powerful family.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - highly incorruptible
Corset (back): Period - Early Qing Dynasty; Totem - fragrant lotus
The lotus is a symbol of incorruptibility, it is rooted in mud and has luxuriant foliage which symbolizes a stable career and prosperous family.
Part Dudou: Period - The Republic of China; Totem - eight treasures of Tai Chi
In Chinese mythology there are eight immortals. Each carry a treasure that has been bestowed with their own power. The treasures embroidered on this Dudou express the deep desire for good luck.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - mandarin duck
Mandarin ducks express the love and happiness between husband and wife.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem – to meet on the broken-bridge
The embroidery on this Dudou expresses a deep missing for a lover.
Corset: Period - Early Qing Dynasty; Totem - dragon that plays in the sea
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - dragon
A dragon on underwear symbolizes bravery, honour, wisdom and unpredictability.
Part Dudou: Period - The Republic of China; Totem - Qilin stepping on clouds
Qilin is regarded as a mascot and blessing of national peace and order, It is also a messenger of happiness and posterity.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - tiger
Part Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty;Totem - tiger
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - tiger driving away the five poisonous pests
The tiger is a symbol of a spirit that drives out demons.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - a lion playing with a ball
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - gold lion
The lion is regarded as a mascot and blessing for driving away evil, praying for good health and is also a symbol of festive events.
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - butterflies in love with flowers
Dudou: Period - Late Qing Dynasty; Totem - butterflies in love with flowers
Dudou: Period - The Republic of China; Totem - butterflies in love with flowers
In Chinese, the " 芙蓉”(Fúróng) meaning Hibiscus and "夫荣”(Fūróng) meaning Husband’s glory is a homophone. Hibiscus flowers with butterflies is a symbol for a woman of low birth may marrying a man of high status and can therefore enjoy a life with the benefits of her husband’s glory however to be a good wife she must dance to her husband's tune in order to have a harmonious marriage.
The extended meaning in the totems expresses people's life expectations, and also allows for future generations to interpret them.
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About Interact China
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"A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide"
Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 10 years solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we position well to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and bring you direct finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.
So far we carry 3000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion, Kungfu Clothing, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.
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