Formal Court Robe Altered for Lamaist Ritual Dance c. late 19th century

This is a formal court robe altered for Lamaist ritual dance, likely made in China. The robe combines symbols of imperial power with those of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally worn at court, it features dragons, traditional symbols of the emperor. The garment was later repurposed for religious use, likely in Tibet or Mongolia, as indicated by its altered form and the presence of Buddhist symbols. The robe offers insights into the complex social and political dynamics of the Qing dynasty. The Qing emperors were eager to expand their influence over Tibetan Buddhism, as they viewed it as a stabilizing force on the northern and western frontiers of their empire. Court robes were sometimes offered as gifts to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to encourage allegiance to the Qing. By studying objects like this robe, and by looking at historical archives, documents and studies in anthropology and religious studies, we can better understand the entanglement of politics, religion, and art in shaping cultural identity and power relations.