A Study on Pao, A Caftan type Subculture Garment in China Nationality

중국소수민족 포의 연구

Classifying the diverse and complex clothing category of nationality subcultures in China is not a simple task. However, summing up, it can be largely classified that clothing of the northern area is long trousers and short skirt. Among the clothing of Nationality in China, especially, Pao(robe: 袍) has its diversity and colorfulness. whose elements forming its each characteristic feature has enough value to be investigated fully in the historical point of view. The conclusions of this study reveals that Pao in nationality subculture in China can possibly be divided into the four types as Qipao(旗袍) in Dongpei area, Mongopao(蒙古袍) in Inner Mongolia, Qiapan in Xinjiang area, and Zangpao in Tibet area. The modes of Qipao and Mongopao are mainly similar in that they have diagonally on the right, stand collar in composition, but Qipao shows its diversity in collar and slashes, and Mongopao also shows diversity in its colare and waistband. Since western culture flowed into China along with its open door and reform policy, the splendid color and distinctive pattern, decoration, diversified method of compositions and clothing categories of Nationality cultures are disappearing in its their originality and nationality.