Dressed to rule: Emperor's wardrobe

Chinese imperial robes demonstrate the status and power of the emperors. [Liu Zhaoming / for China Daily]

The kings and queens in Chinese history had various kinds of robes, and what they wore depended on the scale and importance of the occasion.

No matter how complicated the royal standards were, the rulers themselves had clear clues of what was proper to wear among the many choices in their wardrobe.

Ming Wilson of the Victoria and Albert Museum will speak about the glorious elements in the dress code of Chinese emperors and empresses, the basis of a past exhibition of imperial Chinese robes at the museum, which were provided by China's Palace Museum.

The robes are a wonderful demonstration of art and exquisiteness, and show the status and power of the emperors.

There are different embroideries on the robes that can distinguish the ranks in the royal family.

Among the many symbols, the dragon is the most common, and yellow is the most common color.

Date: Jan 12

Venue: The Royal Asiatic Society

Website: www.royalasiaticsociety.org