chau (Textile)
About this object
History of use
Used to make suits of traditional Chinese clothing and head cloths (collector). By the late 1960s, people were giving up traditional Chinese-style clothing in favour of western-influenced blouses or shirts and pants, often made of synthetic fabrics. Even elderly people began giving up traditional Chinese clothing not long after this, and glazed silk became increasingly hard to find, despite its sheen and comfort in hot weather.
Cultural context
Now used primarily by elderly people, in summer.
Physical description
Piece of brown jacquard-weave silk. Right side has been coated with a heavy black glaze, resulting in a stiff and shiny fabric. Raw ends, selvedges run length.
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Materials