Clothing, Part 3

Jacketed Robe original: 襖子 aozi

The Treatise on Chariots and Dress in the Old Book of Tang original: Jiu Tang Shu Yufu Zhi (舊唐書輿服志); a historical record compiled in the 10th century covering the regulations of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) states:

Banquet attire original: yanfu (燕服); informal clothing worn for leisure or private parties was, in ancient times, considered private dress original: xiefu (褻服); literally "untidy" or "under-dress" not suitable for formal ritual. It is also referred to as everyday dress original: changfu (常服).

In the Jiangnan region the cultural heartland south of the Yangtze River, the people wore headscarves, coarse woolens, skirts, and short tunics. However, the Northern Dynasties 386–581 CE; a period when Northern China was governed by dynasties of diverse ethnic origins, notably the Xianbei mixed these styles with the clothing systems of the frontier tribes and military original: rongyi (戎夷); a term for non-Han peoples to the north and west.

By the time of the Northern Qi 550–577 CE, there were tall hats, short boots, joined trousers, and the jacketed robe aozi (襖子): a lined or padded upper garment, often shorter than a full robe, favored for warmth and mobility. Colors such as vermilion, purple, black, and yellow were worn according to individual preference.

Except for the Grand Assembly of the New Year original: yuanzheng dahui (元正大會); the most formal annual court ceremony and other major sacrificial rites where ancient ritual robes remained mandatory, these practical jacketed styles became the standard garments for both the nobility and the common people in their daily lives.

Quilt

The illustration depicts a large, rectangular quilt featuring intricate floral motifs across the main body and a decorative wave-patterned border at the top edge.

Mattress

The illustration shows a thick sleeping pad or mattress adorned with a central lattice or "honeycomb" design, surrounded by a decorative scroll-work border.

Key Terminology:

• Quilt original: 被 bei
• Mattress original: 褥 ru
• Clothing original: 衣服 yifu
• Bedding original: 寢具 qinju; literally "sleep implements"