The Qun Kua (裙褂), also known as the Long Feng Kua (龙凤褂), originated from the Ming Dynasty and was commonly worn by ladies of Han ethnicity at important occasions. The Qun refers to the skirt while Kua refers to the jacket.
The “density” of the embellishments on the Qun Kua usually range from 30% to 100%. What this means is that the higher the density, the lesser you can see of the red satin base and consequently the higher the required craftsmanship and resulting quality.
Qun Kua
The tiers of the Qun Kua can be categorized as follows:
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King Kua (褂皇) – approx. 100%
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Queen Kua (褂后) – approx. 90%
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Da Wu Fu Kua(大五福) – approx. 80%
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Zhong Wu Fu Kua (中五福) – approx. 70%
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Xiao Wu Fu Kua (小五福) – approx. 30% to 60%
We provide a wide range of pieces some of which are featured below. To view and try the full range of Qun Kuas at our showroom, book an appointment with us now.
裙褂
Workmanship
Pay careful attention to the workmanship to distinguish its quality. A good quality hand sewed Qun Kua will have elaborate embellishments and the embroidery will stand out with a 3D effect.
Base Colours
Generally, red satin is used as a base for Qun Kuas alongside embellishments embroidered using gold and silver threads and beads.
Embroidery
Mythical creatures like the dragon and phoenix are commonly embroidered alongside ducks, peonies and pomegranates, amongst others.
Contemporary Designs
Quns were originally red in colour while Kuas were black but over time and preference for consistency and auspicious colours, the Qun Kuas of the modern day tend to favour the colours of red, gold and silver as opposed to black.
King Kua I 褂皇
One of the most popular pieces in our range, this stunning piece is the epitome of the Qun Kua.
Queen Kua I 褂后
The Queen Kua is an ideal piece for brides who would prefer for the red base to be subtly shown.
Da Wu Fu I 大五福
The Da Wu Fu is the perfect outfit for those who would prefer for the red base to stand out and prefers simple embroidery designs.
Zhong Wu Fu I 中五福
This unique piece is a cross between the Qun Kua and the Xiu He Fu. It incorporates the traditional features of the Qun Kua alongside the Xiu He Fu's skirt (Ma Mian Qun) which is a pleated skirt which can be spread in a circular fashion for a majestic look.