云肩，又称“披肩”“搭肩”，是中国古代置于肩部的装饰织物，最初用于保护领口和肩部清洁，后演变为彩锦绣制的装饰物，其纹样如云霞彩虹，故得名。云肩起源可追溯至秦朝的披帛和帔子，明清时期发展至鼎盛，成为贵族女性地位象征，清代普及至各阶层，婚嫁时青年妇女必备。

The yunjian—often translated as a "shoulder drape" or "cape collar"—is a traditional Chinese textile accessory worn gracefully over the shoulders. What began as a practical layer to protect collars and garments from wear gradually transformed into an exquisite work of art, typically crafted from silk and brocade. The yunjian traces its origins to the pibo (long silk drapes worn over the shoulders) and pei (shawl-like garments) of the Qin dynasty. It reached its peak popularity during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where it became a symbol of noblewomen’s social status. By the Qing period, the yunjian had spread across all social classes and was considered an essential component of bridal attire for young women.

云肩也叫披肩，多以丝缎织锦制作，大多数云肩用四个云纹组成，叫四合如意式，还有柳叶式、荷花式等等，上面都有吉祥命题，例如富贵牡丹、多福多寿、连年有鱼等等。明清的时候流行很多，大多都在婚庆喜宴等场合使用。

Usually made of satin or brocade, yunjian designs often feature four interlinked cloud motifs—known as the "Four-in-One Auspicious Style". Other well-known forms include the willow-leaf and lotus-petal shapes. Each decorative motif carries symbolic meaning: peonies represent wealth, bats symbolize blessings and longevity, and fish suggest abundance year after year. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the yunjian was especially favored at weddings and festive ceremonies.

云肩，“天人合一”的文化创意，来自于中国为代表的东方文化思维方式，是综合性的讲究万物之间的相互包容与和谐。其装饰图案内涵丰富，符号的艺术语言，数字的寓意，文化底蕴哲理深邃；云肩，也是中国服装史上，平面与立体设计巧妙构思的典范。

Beyond its elegance, the yunjian reflects the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between heaven and humanity. Its motifs are rich with symbolism, its forms embody a unique visual language, and even its numerical patterns carry cultural significance. Celebrated as a masterpiece of craftsmanship in the history of Chinese dress, the yunjian seamlessly unites flat textile design with three-dimensional artistry, offering a vivid expression of China's timeless aesthetics.

责编：李一珊