"Unknown Treasure" Oriental Costume

Description

Offered here is a vibrant orange silk robe and matching skirt set originally listed as being worn by Robert Donat in the 1958 film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, although the garment does not appear in the final film. Regardless of on-screen use, this ensemble represents high-quality mid-20th century studio costume craftsmanship, sourced from one of London’s premier wardrobe houses.

The orange silk robe features black, white, and blue floral designs along all edges, folding elegantly across the front of the body and secured with two snap closures at the proper right side and two at the neck. The sleeves are lined with white fabric embroidered with flowers and goldfish, adding intricate decorative detail. A white label sewn into the interior at the back of the neck reads: “Bermans & Nathans / 40 Camden St., London N.W.1”, confirming the robe’s professional costume-house origin.

The matching orange silk skirt is pleated with blue embroidered floral designs applied at the bottom of each pleat and finished with black fabric along the hem. The skirt features a gray fabric waist, wraps around the body, and secures with hook-and-eye closures. The handwritten notation “NEIL” appears in blue ink at the top of the waist, likely referencing the assigned actor or production fitting.

This set is an exceptional example of vintage studio costume design, ideal for film wardrobe collectors, historical costume enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a high-quality production garment with unique decorative embroidery and silk craftsmanship.

Planet Hollywood Certificate of Authenticity

Mannequins not included

Condition

The orange silk robe exhibits large areas of fading and staining throughout, with the interior sleeve lining heavily yellowed from age. There is a large tear at the top of the right shoulder near the neck, a tear at the top center back just below the collar, and multiple snags, fraying along edges, and seam splits, including the inside of the left arm. The decorative fabric along the left side is cracked and extremely fragile, reflecting production and age wear.

The matching silk skirt shows fading and black accretions across the fabric, with loose threads on the appliqué floral details in several areas. Overall, this set is in worn production condition, exhibiting significant age-related wear, tears, and fabric fragility, consistent with authentic mid-20th century studio costume use.

Item Dimensions

Robe: 52.25" high x 67" wide (outstretched) x 1.5" deep

Skirt: 41" high x 41.5" wide (outstretched) x 1.5" deep

All photographs/screen captures are used solely for reference. Screen captures do not imply items are screen matched.