The Collected Illustrations of the Three Powers

Clothing, Volume Three

The Beizi original: 褙子; a traditional Chinese over-robe or long jacket with a straight collar and side slits

This is what is known today as a pifeng pifeng (披風): a long, open-front cloak or mantle that became particularly popular during the Ming Dynasty. The Veritable Records original: 實録 Shilu; likely referring to a historical chronicle or a collection of precedents state that the Second Emperor of Qin reigned 210–207 BCE issued an edict that a beizi should be added on top of formal court dress original: 朝服 chaofu.

According to its design, the sleeves are shorter than those of the inner robe, while the body of the garment is equal in length to the robe and features wide sleeves. In the Song Dynasty 960–1279 CE, the length was increased to match the hem of the skirt, but the sleeves were made only slightly wider than those of the inner robe.