An unusual Yao culture Shamen's priest robe, early 20th century, embroidered with auspicious beasts such as the Qilin, Phoenix and large running dragons on the front lapels, rows of attendants flank the animal symbols. Embroidered with silks and gold threads on a red and black cotton and silk ground, 246cm cuff to cuff x 118cm high Provenance: From a private English Collection. 20世纪早期 瑶族萨满道袍 拍品来源：英国私人收藏 The Yao people had a unique religion incorporating Han Chinese, with Daoism and folklore. The robe would have been laced with magic and prophecy. The Daoist’s conducted rites of passage and paid tributes to the ancestors when wearing such a garment. Compare with a similar example in the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California, and illustrated in, How To Make The Universe Right: The Art of the Shaman from Vietnam and Southern Chin, by Dr Trian Nguyen.