Yunjian, ceremonial collar-cloak. China

The "yunjian", literally "cloud collar/cape", is a traditional Chinese garment, not sewn but layered over the dress, worn by women, often for weddings or festive occasions.

The four-pointed silhouette with curled "cloud" lobes (ruyi) and the central circular opening for the neck are the classic Yunjian design. The black silk/satin border is typical.

Peonies (wealth and honor), butterflies (love, longevity), small insects and birds are all auspicious symbols recurring in Chinese embroidery, executed in flat stitch on an ivory/beige silk ground, with pastel shades (peach, blue, green) typical of the plant pigments of the time, now faded by time.

The style, colors, and polychrome floral-entomological embroidery are consistent with the late Qing Dynasty – Early Republican period, roughly 1875–1920.