Daxiushan


Daxiushan, translated as "Large Sleeve Gown", is a traditional Chinese article of clothing for women and was most popular during the Tang Dynasty, particularly amongst the Royals. After the golden age of the Tang Dynasty ended, the influence of Hufu, or clothing styles from Central and Western Asia, gradually weakened and Tang royal women's clothing styles began to make their transformation. It was not until the Mid-Late Tang period that the distinctions between Royal women's clothing and other styles became increasingly obvious. The width of the coat increased to more than four feet and its sleeves were often wider than 1.3 metres. It features a distinctive gown that covers the body from the ground to just above the chest with a knot wrapped around the waist, a light and sometimes sheer outer coat that ties together at the bottom, near the knees, and often goes along with a long scarf draped around the arms. The clothing often only covers half of women's breast and so it is restricted to women of a certain status, such as princesses or gējī. It has come to be known as Da-Xiu-Shan but has also been called Dian-Chai-Li-Yi at various times. The clothing was mainly worn for special ceremonial occasions and had different variations, mainly the result of different collar formations.