Blue silk semi-official women's dress with shou sign decoration, China, circa 1900 The blue silk dress is embroidered in gold metallic thread with numerous small shou signs in the form of medallions, symbols of longevity. Three trims embroidered with polychrome and gold threads border the sleeves, collar and bottom of the dress. The first is embroidered on a beige background with scaled dragons facing each other in pursuit of the flaming pearl, while the second is embroidered with fenghuang among peonies, various flowers, double gourds and double scrolls. The last is embroidered in gold metallic thread on a black background with a swastika frieze. The dress closes on the right side with five buttons, only one of which, made of copper alloy, is original. Pink lining. H. 132 cm (stains and wear in the silk)