Random pic 7 October 2023
Waterproof for a worker, from China's Hidden Century exhibition at the British Museum
https://flic.kr/p/2oYsFbE
Rural fishermen and farmers had worn this type of waterproof raincoat and hat for centuries. In urban settings poorer people including porters, street cleaners and labourers also wore such garments as protection from the elements. Regional variations existed, depending on which plants were available locally. In the far south palm leaves or coconut fibres were used instead of rice or millet This coat was made by folding layers of straw or leaves, then stitching them to the layer above using rice-straw thread.
(Bamboo, palm and rice fibre, 1800-98.
southern China, British Museum)
Michael Ixer ● 582d0 Comments