is this Asian style pj set vintage?

terrasita

Registered Guest
I really have zero knowledge of asian textiles.. but for some reason I thought this was possibly vintage. The material feels like a brushed type of cotton. Soft and cool to the touch and somewhat thin, reminds me of rayon a bit, too. The pants have a draw-string waist. Missing the original belt. The closures are purely decorative, there are snaps underneath. The little embroidered characters are really neat, one has horns and is wielding some sort of lasso! I of course have no idea what the writing means... maybe someone here reads Cantonese/Mandarin? :)
I searched for the name on the label and only found reference to an actual geographical location - which seems to have an interesting background ("Wesley Village Hong Kong". Squatter housing grew up in Hong Kong to accommodate the large number of refugees fleeing from China. The Methodist Missionary Society worked with the Hong Kong government and other aid agencies to provide better quality, fire proof housing for the refugees. The concrete homes were called Wesley Village"). There is also a reference in the Polk museum of art. The only reference to Hong Kong in my mind is clothes from the 80s. :)

So, I dunno? In any case, I'm quite fond of it! Any thoughts? Maybe it isn't even pj's?
 
:wub:

this set is so me.

yes, they're vintage. judging by the style and the label, they're either late 50s or early 60s. and yes, a pajama set.

So Cute!
 
One of the reasons I am so in love with vintage clothing is my love for history. I had to share this with you all because I find it so fascinating! This is the response I received from one of the individuals who lived in Wesley Village in Hong Kong and he even knew the house and the people who made this very pj set! Incredible. I thought some of you would also find this worth reading. :)

Hi Maegan:

I am from this village from 1955 since it was built and lived there till 1969 and went to study in Vancouver, Canada.

My family was one of the four core families of the Wesley Village Production. I remember helping my Mom distributed the materials for embroidery to the outskirt hillside where refugees living in wooden shacks. I was ten - twelve years old.

Your PJ would probably from House # 11 Mr and Mrs Lam family.

The Chinese words both mean Posperity. Double Prosperity means very good fortune.

The second sets are like the wedding set - Happiness.

The third sets are fisherman catching fish - surplus, remnants.

The Wesley Village would be one of best story in the 50 - 80's, a success story of how Christians, governments and volunteers helping 80 families to estabablish theirself from no money or few dollars to good citizens and leaders in the communities.

There are some elders in their 80 and 90 are living in HK, USA and Australia.

Now there are four generations from Wesley and probably five.

They include Bishop, Pastor, VP Banker in one of the large US banker, Controller in one of the largest US food company, dentist, architects, innovator, teachers, professor, accountant, owners in service companies, Chief Captain in one of the largest cargo liner in the world and list keep adding on.

These are the fruits of the caring people from the world who came and help.

In Wesley we knew each other and there was no secret because the living space was small.

We had 50th anniversary celebration 5 years ago. Now plan to have one for 55th anniversary.

Surprisingly you find us at this time. Where are you?

All these 80 houses were built on an abundant grave-yard. We have the best view in Hong Kong.

Hope this help for what you are looking for.
 
Wow--that is an amazing PJ set (love it!), and like others here, they are so up my alley.... If I thought they would fit me, next time I am up in NY, I would show up on your doorstep and beg for them!

And also an amazing story of the Wesley Village. How wonderful you were able to find someone from there and get such fantastic information!
 
what a great story!! thank you so much for sharing it. so many of us love history, and this kind of info makes our hearts sing and the clothing come alive.

(dang, smilies aren't working for me again today. imagine the happy singing one here.)
 
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