A Daoist Priest's Robe

In American popular culture, we have seen the Yin Yang symbol emblazoned on items from wallets to jewelry—but do we really know the cultural origin of this circular emblem? The answer lies in Daoist philosophy, where artistic religious imagery is very impactful. One of the most noteworthy items of the Daoist religion is the Daoist priest robe, or daogongfu. The robe is believed to possess mystical powers when worn by high-ranking Daoist priests in China. 

For many centuries, the Yao have developed and tailored their unique religion, incorporating Han Chinese-influenced Daoism as well as pre-Daoist folk religion and animism. To the Yao people, Daoism is laced with magic, prophecy and the supernatural. 

Since Daoist priests conduct ceremonies for rites of passages and pay tribute to ancestors of the region, they are believed to maintain the order and safety of their respective communities. The robes that priests wear have several elements that are commonly portrayed; most pervasively the 28 Chinese Lunar Mansions, the sacred Mountains of Taoism, the Chinese characters of “Wu Xing” and the symbol of three heavens. They mirror the cosmos and represent the energies. Therefore, when Taoist priests are donning these ceremonial robes, they are considered as powerful spiritual intermediaries acting on behalf of their community.

This daogongfu or Daoist priest’s robe from the Bowers Museum’s collection depicts the “Three Purities of the Daoist Trinity” as they ride cranes in the upper section of the robe. There is also a background of mountains and flames, Yu Huang, the Jade Emporer is enshrined in a pointed arch flanked by pairs of descending dragons on the front and back of the robe. Rows of attendant duties flank the dragons on the sides. The sacred Daoist mountains—Wuzi, Xumi, Wudang, Liming, Baixu and paired animals, lotus, and fish, four cranes, and the Eight Diagrams comprise the lowest registry above patterns of waves much like those on Qing Dynasty imperial robes.