From seller: A Mongolian Princess costume worn in the 1987 multi Oscar-winning drama The Last Emperor. This stunning costume was worn when the 15 year-old Pu-Yi (Wu Tao) wed’s the ‘old’ government chosen first wife and Empress, 17-year old Wan Jung.
The multi-layered costume consists of a thick white quilted gown with ties to the front, a red rayon brocade under robe overprinted in gold with panels in mulberry green and gold appliqué, high padded shoulders, tall collars, and cuffs trimmed in grey Astrakhan and Mongolian lambswool, and finally a waistcoat in maroon velvet and green brocade, overprinted in gold trimmed with antique fabric appliqués on the front and back panels. There are no sizes marked on this wonderful costume and it remains in excellent condition.
This 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
In ACMI's collection
Previously on display
10 February 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
AEO175773
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