Silk dancing dress

From: Tibet
Date: late 19th – early 20th century AD

Most Buddhist monasteries in Tibet held a collection of masks and beautiful costumes like this one, which they saved for special occasions. The most special occasion of all was the party to mark the end of the year. This costume was worn by a monk, along with a mask, as he performed a dance at the party. The big pointed sleeves would billow and flow as the dancer whirled his arms about.

On the skirt you can see a Chinese dragon with four claws. This was often used as a decoration by nobles at the court of the Chinese emperor. So it is possible that this costume was given to the monks by the emperor as a gift.