Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19th century, silk and metallic threads on silk, this robe has a heavy weight silk, epaulettes embroidered with frontal facing dragons project over the shoulders, with Manchurian style sleeves and cuffs, the body of the robe is embellished with eight dragons including frontal facing dragons and profile dragons in metallic thread surrounded by auspicious symbols and swirling clouds, lishui waves anchored by a central mountain contain more auspicious symbols floating amidst the waves, robe has a back slit, fully lined in red silk except for the cuffs which have a light blue silk lining.

Neck to hem 53.5 in.; Cuff to cuff 74 in.

This robe is a rare example of the most formal style of Chinese court garments, chaopao, worn only for important official court functions, of which women were rarely included. Few of these robes were made, and even fewer have survived. The five clawed forward facing dragons and color of the robe indicate it would have been worn by a female member of the imperial family.

Some light staining along front center seam; some lifting of blue thread on black band of one sleeve; fading to interior lining along edges and around neck; some wear to light separation and loss to lining at bottom edges.

$8,000 - 12,000