Vintage Thailand/China ethnic minority embroidered wrap skirt | traditional Miao indigo batik applique patchwork folk costume shops antique dress

Discounts available when buying 3 or more items in one shopping trip - please e-mail for a coupon code. Note that international shipping will be less that the posted amount when buying multiple items. Foreign buyers are encouraged to send an e-mail for an exact quote.

ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Traditional woman's folk costume skirt from the Miao ethnic minority (I believe) in China, Thailand, and Laos. The skirt is made of indigo dyed batik pattern cloth and is decorated with hand embroidery, strips of printed cotton fabric, and applique zigzag designs. The skirt is a wrap style that can be adjusted with waist string ties. The open front would have been covered by an apron. Pleated skirts are one of the common elements of folk costumes from many ethnic tribes of southeast Asia and as such they exist in huge numbers. There are many different styles and levels of quality. Prices also vary greatly depending on the ethnic group, fabric, amount of decoration, age, and condition. One must decide on the value of any specific skirt personally as each one tells a different story. I have only a few Chinese textiles as this is not an area of primary focus in my study, but I appreciate each one and love observing the shared qualities with traditional costumes in other parts of the world. Since I am not an Asian textile expert, I have priced them based on my personal relationship with them, though you can find others at both higher and lower price points from other vendors.

Measurements are approximate and taken with article(s) laying flat:
Waistband: 29"
Length: 21.5"

CONDITION: Very good with minimal wear and not significant damages.

A note regarding condition: All of the costumes and textiles that I sell are vintage and have typically seen decades of use resulting in expected wear and tear that shops add to the history and authenticity of each piece. In case of above-average wear, I will mention any significant damages and heavy signs of use. Depending on the age, materials, and condition, I often hand-wash more durable, colorfast cotton and linen textiles, but embellished garments, heavier wool pieces or items made from silk or fine fabrics are sold in the original, unwashed condition. Small holes or stains, missing sequins/beads, worn trim, and other marks related to standard wear are common and do not detract from the value of most pieces. Please keep in mind that a vintage textile or garment in very good condition might still show signs of use, storage and age.

Not sure about the condition? Need more photos? Sure! Etsy allows up to 10 photos online, but I often have more images available so please send an e-mail request for more.

I am located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) and local shoppers are invited to view or try on items in person before buying. Many other garments are available so please don't hesitate to email your specific requests. For consulting services in ethnographic textile care, collection management, storage, exhibition, and preservation, search the web for ELLIS ISLAND VINTAGE.

Anything else? Please ask. I stand behind every item I sell and want you to be happy with your purchase. Thank you for visiting my shop!