1996 CHINESE EMPRESS Barbie Doll Great Eras Collection

From head to toe, each piece of Chinese Empress Barbie doll’s costume merits description. Beginning with her hat, called a Manchu Cap or Chao Guan. Long ago the cap had an ornament that indicated the rank of the wearer; it could be bronze, crystal or jade. Her elaborate satin coat, Chao Pao, is emblazoned with a four-toed dragon, symbolizing her rank as a female member of the Chinese royal family; only males were allowed to wear the five-toed dragon. The sleeves of the coat are long enough to cover the Empress’ fingertips–as a member of royalty, her hands must be kept covered.

Underneath her gown, the mandarin collar jacquard dress, Chao Qua, is in yellow, a color reserved for Chinese royalty. She wears red slippers fitted over molded platforms, typical of the period. Her jewelry is faux jade, the official “jewel” of the royal family. She wears faux jade drop earrings and one “jade and one “golden” necklace, the Chao Zhu whose length also indicated her rank.

This beautifully created costume was typical of turn of the century robes worn by the Dowager Empress Tz’u-hsi who reigned from 1861-1908 during the Ch’ing Dynasty, 1644-1911. This was the last dynasty and marked a turbulent time in Chinese history. Toward the end of her reign, the Dowager Empress attempted to bring China in line with her European neighbors–she established schools for both boys and girls where Chinese and Western subjects would be taught.

Chinese Empress Barbie captures the ritual beauty and traditions of the Chinese royal family. By combining symbols of the past and present, her costume tells us much about the royal family and how they lived.

Collector Edition. MPC: 16708. This is an investment grade, MINT CONDITION Barbie doll. Beautiful and pristine.This beautiful doll comes from my personal collection. I have been the one and only owner of this vintage Barbie. Has been safely stored since original purchase.