The cloud cape is a kind of clothing fastened about the neck and covering the shoulders. It evolved from the Sui Dynasty. By the Qing Dynasty, the cloud cape had been extensively spread to all levels of the society, and become indispensable clothing for young women at weddings. Later on, the cloud cape is mostly worn for occasions to mark the climate and other natural phenomena of the seasons or at weddings.
About the evolvement of the cloud cape, no written records have been found in literatures before the Qin and Han Dynasties. Judging from the style, the cloud cape may come from extraneous clothing styles under influences of northern nomadic tribes. Relevant graphic data first appeared in Dunhuang mural paintings of the Sui Dynasty where the sinified Goddess of Mercy wore a cloud cape. The cloud cape, though originating from the clothing culture of extraneous nations, has been absorbed by the Han nationality as a result of the worship in heaven, which then become a model of ethical clothing culture that reflects the concept of harmony between man and nature.
Most cloud capes take the pattern of "four ruyi enclosing each other" (ruyi, an S-shaped ornamental object, usually made of jade, formerly a symbol of good luck), and some are in a stripped pattern. A cloud cape normally comprises eight pieces of clouds arranged in two layers, and each cloud is embroidered with flowers, birds, grasses and insects, or with stories from traditional operas. It will take a long time to complete an elegant cloud cape of which the exquisite workmanship is amazing. There are varied stitches for the embroidery of cloud capes, such as wan stitch, connection stitch, rolling stitch, pine needle, couching stitch, bullion knot stitch, quan jin, qiang stitch, plain stitch, and there are many varieties of styles.
A cloud cape has to be cut in accordance with the shape of the person it is made for, and follow the contours of the body. As to the colors, the five primary ones are the basic colors punctuated by others. The cloud cape is not to be worn separately. Instead, it has to go with other clothes, because only as part of a whole can the effects of its colors be appreciated.
