Evolution and revolution: Chinese dress 1700s-1990s (original) (raw)

Aoqun: pronounced ow-chun. A jacket and skirt worn in the early 20th century.

Aoku: pronounced ow-koo. A jacket and trousers outfit from the early 20th century.

Auspicious: favourable; a good omen.

Bourgeois: a member of the middle class.

Brocade: fabric with an elaborate design woven into the fabric.

Changyi: pronounced chang-ee. Long Manchu women's robe.

Chenyi: pronounced chen-ee. Long Manchu women's robe.

Cheungsam: Cantonese term for the qipao, a one-piece women's garment worn in the early 20th century.

Concubine: in countries where polygamous marriages are accepted a concubine is the secondary wife. Usually no formal ceremony has taken place.

Cosmos: the universe.

Damask: a linen, silk, cotton or wool fabric with a reversible woven design.

Dirndl skirt: a full skirt usually in a colourful patterned fabric.

Edict: a command given by a person in authority.

Fidelity: loyalty or faithfulness.

Floss: silk filaments with little or no twist used in weaving or embroidery.

Gaberdine: a closely woven twill fabric of a worsted cotton or spun yarn.

Gauze: a thin transparent fabric made from any fibre in a plain or leno weave.

Huaniu: pronounced hwa-nyo. Decorative toggles used as fastenings.

Polyamide: nylon fibre.

Polychrome: many colours.

Proletariat: the working class.

Qipao: pronounced chi-pow. A one-piece women's garment commonly known by the Cantonese name cheungsam.

Solstice: the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.

Swastikas: an ancient symbol in China and India. In China it is an emblem of immortality or infinity. The motif can also be seen on the breast of statues of Buddha and is known as the seal of the heart of Buddha.

Zhifu: pronounced jir-fu. A military-style suit worn during the 1950s-70s.