The exhibition is organized by the Chinese Museum and runs from 25 July to 26 August.
This blue silk jacket and dark purple trousers are typical of informal Han Chinese dress of the late-Qing dynasty (1644-1912). They belonged to Mary Tong Way (nee Kong, 1870-1941) who came to Ballarat, Victoria in 1893 to marry John Tong Way in an arranged marriage.
Mary was brought up by German missionaries in Hong Kong. She bought these garments in Hong Kong to take with her to Australia. Her husband was a catechist to the Chinese community in Ballarat and became Superintendent of the Chinese Mission in 1903.
Mary stopped wearing the Chinese clothes she brought with her and began wearing European dresses, which she continued to do for the rest of her life in Australia.
She only showed these garments to friends who showed interest in them.
According to Vanessa Shia from Chinese Museum, there're about 30 items in the exhibition.
Please visit Mandarin page for more information.
WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE Source: SBS Mandarin/ Helen Chen
WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE Source: SBS Mandarin/ Helen Chen
WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE Source: SBS Mandarin/ Helen Chen
WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE Source: SBS Mandarin/ Helen Chen
