Qingbei Xu 倾杯序 Prelude to the Tilting Cup Sui & Northern Southern Dynasty Guiyi Swallow Tail Ruqun Set
This item has a 35 day construction period.
Overlooked, under-represented, and often not even recognized as an official period of Chinese fashion history, the Qingbei Xu 倾杯序 Prelude to the Tilting Cup Ruqun Set gives us a glimpse into the fashions of the Sui Dynasty (581-618 A.D.).
Squeezed between the Northern Southern Dynasties (420-589) & the Great Tang Dynasty (618-907), this short-lived period contains elements of both eras. The flowing ribbons and wide necklines of the Northern Southern; paired the high waistlines and colors of the Early Tang Dynasty.
This set is an interesting piece as upon first glance, it may be characterized as either dynasty, or may even be seen as WeiJin (220-420) due to the Swallow Tail apron. However, during the Sui Dynasty there was a resurgence of the Guiyi 袿衣 (formal garb).
Inspired by Buddhist art, Guiyi 袿衣 was one of the original trends of early China. This style of clothing was ornate, over-the-top, with ribbons and flowing layers throughout. Elements of this Buddhist style mixed with Northern Southern silhouettes - a prelude to the extravagance to come within the Tang Dynasty.
The first piece you may notice is the Bixi 蔽膝 (knee cover).
Large triangular pieces of jacquard fabric with long ribbons that trail behind. This was a popular component of the Guiyi 袿衣 trend! These decorative aprons also earned the name "Swallow Tail" (Zaju Chuishao Fu 雜裾垂髾服) due to its airy beauty that allowed imperial women to float like heavenly birds. Made with yellow & green jacquard fabric with floral and geometric print.
But let's start with the base layer: the Daxiu Ru 大袖襦 (large sleeve top).
Wide and dramatic sleeves that truly are worthy of the goddesses. Made with jacquard fabric, a subtle sheen and feels soft against the skin. Features the extra wide off-shoulder look, a remnant of Northern Southern Dynasty fashions. Perfectly ok to wear as is!
Next is the Banbi 半臂 (half sleeve top), also known as the Banxiu Ru 半袖襦 (half sleeve wide hem top).
The main star of the show! This gorgeous short sleeve top echoes the wide neckline of the inner top. Most Ru 襦 (wide hem top) have equal length of the upper and lower pieces of fabric, but during this period the bottom half was much longer. This creates a baby-doll style top perfectly complimented by its ruffled hems.
Within the fabric, adorable golden duck brocades! And upon the back, a long floor-grazing ribbon is sewn in. Dramatic? Yes. Perfect for the trend of Goddess-like fashions? Absolutely.
Top comes with a long ribbon belt as well! Color of belt will match the color of top you choose.
Finally moving onto the skirt, the Zheyuan Qun 褶缘裙 (ruffled hem skirt).
Ruffled hems were (unfortunately) last seen in the Sui & Early Tang Dynasty, but they definitely are one of the most beautiful style of skirts in all of Chinese history. Most skirts of the previous and following dynasties were made with many strips of fabric, however the Zheyuan Qun 褶缘裙 was made with a single large piece. This creates a flowing effect that looks heavier upon the body.
Please note that size XL of the skirt is the ultra-long trailing skirt! Other sizes will be ankle or floor length depending on your height.
If you're a lover of Chinese fashion history, this is possibly one of the most unique sets to own. A mixture of eras, compiled into a single ethereal set, with a silhouette inspired by a trend centuries before the Sui.
If you're feeling rather historical, opt for the green and turquoise color way! And if you'd like to feel like modern goddess, we definitely recommend choosing the contemporary pink & black set!
This item has a 35 day construction period.
Material:
- Daxiu Ru 大袖襦 (large sleeve top) - jacquard satin
- Banbi 半臂 (half sleeve top) - brocade cut-out satin
- Zheyuan Qun 褶缘裙 (ruffled hem skirt) - jacquard three-dimensional weave
- Bixi 蔽膝 (knee cover) - jacquard satin
About the brand: 琴挑
琴挑, or Qin Tiao, is a hanfu restoration brand with a focus on paintings and artworks. Based on artifacts of course, but Qin Tiao truly brings an ethereal touch to each of their pieces. From fantastical to true historical, there's a little bit of everything for every hanfu lover.
SIZING INFORMATION
Note that Chinese sizes are smaller than US sizes. To avoid wrong sizings, please refer to the sizing chart in the photos. Please measure in centimeters.
CLEANING INFORMATION
Please hand wash carefully as to not ruin the embroidery, jewels, or buttons. Please air dry the clothes on a flat surface or hanger. Hand washing and air drying also extends the life of your hanfu. For ironing, please use lowest heat setting or steam out the wrinkles.
Designed for Your Comfort
