Over 200 years ago, traders from India and China came to Malaysia and brought along their culture and arts. Through time and cross-cultural blending, a unique heritage emerged including the art of weaving traditional textiles and embroidery. The robe for casual wear worn by the Ming Empress is richly embroidered with a mighty dragon with bats in the clouds for its background. The motif is encased within a circle to symbolize perfection and wholeness. The dragon represents power and majesty.