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Shao Chang Lee Chinese Textile Collection

The Shao Chang Lee collection of handmade silk Chinese textiles includes garments, clothing accessories, and wall hangings, all beautifully embroidered with an array of traditional symbols and decorative elements. The majority of pieces are from the 19th century and the earliest piece in the collection is a robe worn by Emperor Tao Kuang on his 50th birthday in 1831. The navy blue robe is lavishly embroidered with golden five-clawed dragons, clouds, fire, mountains, waves, and emblems of the eight Taoist Immortals. In addition to complete skirts, jackets, and robes, the collection also includes a set of embroidered sleeve linings from women's robes that were designed to show when cuffs were turned up. Accessories include embroidered silk fans, purses, and the tiny shoes worn by women whose feet were bound. Also included in the collection are more than a dozen badges that were meant to be applied to robes to identify a person's military or civil rank. The collection serves as an important primary source for studies of textile history, fashion, and a wide array of Asian studies.

Dr. Shao Chang Lee was born in Kwangtung province in China in 1891 and came to the U.S. in 1914. At MSU he helped to develop the International Center, served as head of the Department of Foreign Studies, and taught courses in Asian art, religion and culture from 1943 - 1960.

Donors and Fieldworkers

Dr. Shao Chang Lee Dr. Shao Chang Lee

Exhibitions

“Silk and Clay,” Michigan State University Museum, 1989.

“Land of the Dragon: 6000 Years of Chinese Art,” Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City, Michigan, March 17 - September 1, 2002.

Shao Chang Lee Chinese Textile Collection

Embroidered handkerchief case, China, c. 1900-1950