This jacket of an ‘aoqun’ (袄裙) set was worn by the owner for her wedding tea ceremony in 1959. The ‘aoqun’which comprised of a jacket and a skirt, was worn by Han women since the Qing dynasty. The collar and sleeves of the jacket were cut from a straight piece of fabric and joined at the side. The opening is secured by frog buttons or ‘huaniu’ (花钮). Motifs of dragons and phoenix were embroidered, symbolizing a perfect match. Before the enactment of the Women’s Charter requiring all marriages to be registered in Singapore, the tea ceremony is a ritual which officiate the acceptance of the bride. During the ceremony, bridal couple offers tea to the senior family members, who in turn, give them red packets as blessings to the marriage.
