About the Round-Collar Robe 3

When we talk about Asia, we cannot help but mention China. When we talk about China, we cannot help but mention Japan. And when we talk about Japan, we cannot avoid mentioning the kimono.
As is well known, silk originated in ancient China about 5,000 years ago. But did you know that Japan’s traditional national garment, the kimono, is made primarily from silk?

From the 5th to the 8th century, on the vast and ancient land of Huaxia, the turbulent era of the Northern and Southern Dynasties had just come to an end, and the powerful Tang dynasty (preceded by the Sui) had risen! During the Sui and Tang dynasties, a classical and elegant garment known as the round-collar robe (yuanlingpao) became popular. It was one of the common styles of traditional Chinese clothing.

The origin of the round-collar robe cannot be precisely determined, but traces of it can be found in Han dynasty murals and figurines. In the Han dynasty, the round-collar robe was mainly worn as an undergarment. After the Eastern Han period, its use became increasingly frequent.
By the Wei and Jin dynasties, people began wearing the round-collar robe as outerwear. It was at this time that the robe, in its true sense, entered the public eye. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, it had already become a popular style of clothing.

After the Song dynasty, the round-collar robe was even adopted as official attire for government officials. By the Ming dynasty, its role was further elevated, becoming the most straightforward and visible way to distinguish between different official ranks and social classes.