Page 11 - May1990

MAY I99O NATNONAN, BUT"N'ON BULN,ETNN 57

The side of the robe seen by This photo shows the neck andfront oJ'
lttVerne Abendschein, showing the the mandarin coat. Notice the speclacular
use of the mandarin buttons. embroidery as well os the mandarin
(Photo by LaVerne Abendschein.) buttons.
(Photo b.v LaVerne Abendschein.)

it belonged to royalty. Madame Gheltser choreographed the opera "The Red Poppy"
and a Russian dance called the "Apple Dance."
Mrs. Wishart had worn a beautiful black dress to the party where she was noticed
by Madame Ghetlser. Several days later, Madame Gheltser sent her maid to see if Mrs.
Wishart would trade the dress for the robe. It was a hard choice to make as clothes
were very scarce in Russia at that time. However, she said that she was never sorry she
had made the trade.
The robe is really outstanding. Over 100 years old, it is embroidered with what is
called the "hidden stitch." Each section of the robe tells a story. Each secti<,n is
different. All are outstanding examples of Chinese decorative art.
Although LaVerne sent a number of pictures of this magnificent Mandarin robe,
we are showing the two which so plainly show the wonderful embroidery and the use of
the Mandarin buttons.

Reprintedfrom NBB May-June 1975.

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