An old and exceptional Yao priest’s cotton robe embroidered with silk, Laos or China, 19th century. Size: 50'' x 40.5'' (127 x 103 cm). The use of negative space in the presentation of the faces embroidered hsien, gods or saints, and the flow of their robes makes this robe an outstanding work of spiritual art as well as a historically important artifact in Yao culture. The Kim Mun Lantien Yao 3rd level tua sai priests in Laos, China and Vietnam were charged with upholding the cosmic order and safety through a fusion of Taoism ancestor worship and animism. Robes like these were worn only during the most important rituals and ceremonies. They served to distinguish, empower and to protect the priest. Similar in many aspects to the clerical robes of Chinese Taoist masters, most are constructed of two pieces of narrow woven cloth sewn together in the back and open in the front with little or no cutting, supporting the Taoist view that the natural state of things should not be altered. Gods, mythical creatures and forces of nature in silk and cotton embroidery on a cotton ground adorn the backs and fronts of the robes. The main section of the robe, often in indigo or red dyed cotton, usually is bordered in a contrasting color like beige, tan, brown or red. Reference: Jenjarassakul, Chinalai, Chinalai, "Yao Lan Tan Shamans' Robes", HALI, March-April 2000; The Clothes and Ornaments of Yunnan Ethnic Groups; Jess G. Pourret, THE YAO The Mien and Mun Yao in China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand; Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Catalog. Provenance: Lee and Vichai Chinalai collection.