The First Woman Who Wears Bra in China

mizuki hinano — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:01:38 +0000

A brassiere, commonly known as bra, is a piece of clothing that covers, supports and elevates the breasts. The bikini-like garments had been used by female athletes in the 1400s BC, and corset had dominated the undergarments between 1500s and 1800s. The modern bra emerged by the early 1900s, and bras successfully replace corsets. However women in ancient China did not had corset or bra. The first piece of clothing aroused first in the Ming Dynasty and then commonly used in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). It is called “stomach protectors” or “tummy covers”. So who is the first woman in China who wore the modern bra?

According to Qing Newspaper, it was Empress Dowager Cixi who wore the first bra in China. Some commentator said that from the act of Empress Cixi wearing bra shows that Chinese knowledge as the core while Western knowledge as application. The editor also said that Empress Dowager Cixi wearing bra has a big impact on society, as this set an example for Chinese women and an indicator that the recovery of Chinese Women’s awareness. The editors are still arguing which section this news (entertainment, society, politics?) should be published in the newspaper.

Source: Tianjindaily

Cixi Nude Sculpture Was Reported

mizuki hinano — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:35:22 +0000

At the Third China Beijing Internaional Art Biennial , a half naked Cixi sculpture with its private part covered with a white towel aroused many audiences’ attention. Li Xiangqun, author of the sculpture, said that there was no “fig leaf” initially. It was covered by the organizer as some audiences report to the authorities.

The title for this half nude scuplture was “cumulus cloud drifting snow”. The sculpture was an image of a woman in Qing Dynasty palace, sitting on a chair way exposing breasts and thighs. The private part was covered with a white square towel and it was uncoordinated with the original material. Many audiences noted this in the China Art Gallery Exhibition Hall.

The staff recalled when the sculpture was not covered with hand towel when the exhibition started. It was added soon after the display.

Li, the sculptor, said the creation of sculpture used the Empress Dowager Cixi as a prototype. “Half bare” creation was only to express his understanding of history.

“When it was sent for approval, the relevant department had not raised any objection.” Li said on 8th July afternoon, the opening of the exhibition, Chinese Artists’ Association (organizer) said there were complaints from audiences and told him that his work needed to be ‘censored’. Li had no choice but covered Cixi private part.

The saying of “complaints from audiences” was not confirmed by Chinese Artists’ Association as there was no one in the office answering the calls.

Source: 6park

Cina Pig » Empress Dowager Cixi

The First Woman Who Wears Bra in China

Cixi Nude Sculpture Was Reported