Chinese late Qing to early Republic period woman’s informal “xiapei” (vest) decorated at the center front and back with three polychrome silk embroidered floral roundels among scattered flowers all set against a burgundy silk background. The lower section features metal couched diagonal bands of upright water (li shiu) with cresting waves and stylized mountains above. A colorful band of flowers is at the bottom above a blue ribbon band that extends along the edges. A fringe of colorful tassels with metal discs hangs at the bottom from openwork mesh. The interior is lined in bright floral patterned pink silk brocade. Including the tassels, it measures about 36 1/2” long (28 1/2” long excluding the tassels). The bottom edge is about 23” across. Circa 1900 to early 20th century. The vest was stored for decades inside an air-tight trunk and is in excellent condition. It does not appear to have ever been worn. From the Tucson, Arizona estate of a World War II veteran.