During the Ming dynasty, the Horse-face skirt was crafted from two different fabrics and featured deep pleats. The waistband was fashioned from a distinct fabric compared to the one used in the skirt. This style of Horse-face skirt was regarded as pure and devoid of vulgarity. In the Ming era, some women favored light colors or white skirts, a preference that influenced the Horse-face skirt worn by performers in Peking opera. Additionally, it could be adorned with a single or double lan, a horizontal pattern, either at knee-level or at the skirt's hem.
During the Ming dynasty, deep clothing was typically worn for ceremonial occasions such as coronations and sacrificial rites, rather than as everyday attire. Some scholars believed that deep clothing was the ceremonial attire of ancient sages, worn during gatherings to distinguish themselves from the common populace and demonstrate their moral integrity.
Throughout the Ming dynasty, there was notable evolution in the horse-face skirt concerning materials, design, and craftsmanship. Tailors frequently employed silk and brocade, renowned for their exceptional quality and longevity. However, due to the high cost associated with these materials, intricate horse-face skirts became synonymous with affluence and social standing. Silk, in particular, was highly valued for its superior quality, often reserved for the privileged elite.
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