This illustrated volume explores and analyzes the pomp and ceremony of Manchu court life and the Chinese aristocracy of the Qing dynasty through their ceremonial and court garments. A scholarly essay elucidates the symbolism and connotation of rank and hierarchy invested in each item, while paying particular attention to women's attire. The main body of the book is devoted to dozens of full page illustrations of robes, surcoats, insignia badges, skirts, shoes and accessories drawn from both public and private collections.