A Princess of the Blood gown and overrobe from the 1987 multi Oscar-winning historical drama The Last Emperor. These women can be seen on several occasions throughout the movie, when PuYi chooses his secondary consort, and at PuYi’s wedding to the Empress. This stunning and elaborate costume consists of a full-length gown of printed red rayon satin, overprinted with dragon robe motif, similarly printed sleeveless overrobe. Also included is a black satin headband with gold filigree buttons (some have been lost over the years) and a string of glass beads and polished stones that hang down the chest, and a cream quilted cotton under robe.
It comes from the private collection of renowned producer Jeremy Thomas (who single handedly raised the $25million budget for the movie) and was archived after filming completed until only recently, when the Prop Store was proud to assist in sorting and cataloguing the incredible inventory under the guidance and in collaboration with Oscar-winning Costume Designer, Jim Acheson.
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Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
22 February 2024
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
AEO175772
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Pictures → MI-05. Sound and Colour → MI-05-C01
Object Types
3D Object
Costume/costume element
Materials
Silk screened rayon fabric