Woman's waistcoat of kesi, slit tapestry, woven silk with hand painted pattern of butterflies and flowers in pinks and blues on a green background. Border along edge of central front opening, lower hem and round armholes of kesi silk, patterned with butterflies and flowers on a dark blue background. Tiny flecks of gold thread in the weave in butterflies. Motifs are of butterflies and moths and ten of the flowers of the twelve months: peony, lotus, orchid, chrysanthemum, plum blossom, magnolia, rose, autumn crab apple, narcissus, osmanthus fragrans, and the fragrant olive. The robe has a stiff collar and is secured by knot buttons and loops down the front opening.
Accompanying labels reads: 'Fine kosso coatee. Late 18th C to beginning of 19th cent.' 'Lady's waistcoat, decorative pattern, probably worn for the Great Spring Festival in veneration of flowers and animals. 18th century'
