From seller: A Princess of the Blood gown and overrobe from the 1987 multi Oscar-winning historical drama The Last Emperor. These women can be seen on several occasions throughout the movie, when PuYi chooses his secondary consort, and at PuYi’s wedding to the Empress. This stunning and elaborate costume consists of a full-length gown of printed red rayon satin, overprinted with dragon robe motif, similarly printed sleeveless overrobe. Also included is a black satin headband with gold filigree buttons (some have been lost over the years) and a string of glass beads and polished stones that hang down the chest, and a cream quilted cotton under robe.
It comes from the private collection of renowned producer Jeremy Thomas (who single handedly raised the $25million budget for the movie) and was archived after filming completed until only recently, when the Prop Store was proud to assist in sorting and cataloguing the incredible inventory under the guidance and in collaboration with Oscar-winning Costume Designer, Jim Acheson.
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Collection
In ACMI's collection
Previously on display
10 February 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
AEO175769
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Pictures → MI-05. Sound and Colour → MI-05-C01
Measurements
HAT Hat internals: 160mm length x 150mm width (oval shaped) Length of lowest beads 420mm (hanging) External diameter approx. 1050mm Height from base of hat approx. 350mm INTERNAL CALICO DRESS (inner layer) Sits under robe and vest dress, see those object measurements *Has boning at hem which keeps round shape, will pack down in a concertina-like manner for travel ROBE (mid layer) 1380mm max height (lower centre back neck to centre back hem, flat) 1326mm (lower centre front neck to centre front hem, flat) 894mm (neck edge to sleeve cuff, flat – note horseshoe cuff hangs over hands) 400mm neck circumference 1140 max hem width (flat) 2280 max hem circumference (flat) VEST DRESS (top layer) 1209mm max hem width (flat) 2418mm hem circumference (maximum) 615mm across underarm (flat) 302mm narrowest chest (flat front) 165mm shoulder (flat, each) 470mm neck circumference 55mm centre back neck to shoulder 1389mm max height (lower centre back neck to centre back hem, flat) 1320mm (lower centre front neck to centre front hem, flat) COLLAR (attaches to vest via button) 760mm max. width 345mm max. height 435mm neck circumference
Object Types
3D Object
Costume/costume element
Materials
Silk screened rayon fabric