Shaman's Coat c. 20th century

This striking coat, known as the Shaman's Coat, was made by Yao Lantien, and it is unknown exactly when it was created. It features appliqued and embroidered figures on a bright red cloth. In its construction we see a fascinating blend of materials and methods. While the red fabric provides a bold backdrop, the real story is told by the figures stitched onto its surface. These aren't painted or printed, but carefully crafted from separate pieces of cloth, and decorated with embroidery. The artist has transformed ordinary fabric into a powerful symbolic object. The evenness of the stitches and the regularity of the patterns suggest a commitment to craft, and an enormous amount of work. Each figure has been individually made and carefully positioned. The process of making is therefore not merely a technical exercise, but an act of cultural expression. The coat shows the connection between the artist, the material, and the wider community. It reminds us that even in the most functional of objects, there is embedded the potential for profound meaning.