. . . "The pleats on this court skirt are evenly arranged along the entire length of the waistband. In Chinese, this style of box pleat is called bi ji which translates as 'piled-up pleats'. A double row of running stitches secures down the pleats to a depth of 6 cm (2.5\") from the top. Above these stitching lines the pleats lay flat while, below the lines, they flare out, adding bulk to the wearer. Like the skirts for Chinese women, this one wraps around the body and has embroidered decoration on the lower section towards the hem. The waistband, while it is unlikely to have been seen, is, nevertheless, woven with a dragon roundel design. It is made from an extremely stiff silk and the ties at each end are of the same material."@en .