A rare and unusual Chinese silk brocade robe, 18th century, woven with four front facing four-clawed dragons, mang, and four roundels displaying a large and a small writhing dragon above a lishui water and wave pattern in the roundel, all floating above a lively lishui water and wave hem line filled with further dragons, deer cranes and auspicious symbols of good fortune and prosperity. This robe is a front opening three quarter length surcoat. This style of robe was generally worn by female courtiers of the indigenous Han clan who also held rank alongside the Manchu courtiers. Most likely worn by the wife of a Duke or 4th-rank Nobleman's wife. It is likely she wore this to a high court function over another jacket and pleated skirt. The roundels are woven in gilt silk thread, all lined in blue silk with a simple pale blue brocade neck edging and simple gilded button closures.Provenance: Private West London collection清18世纪 石青地八团织金缎女蟒袍拍品来源：西伦敦私人绅士收藏

Wear and discolouration to the blue lining, wear and split to the shoulder and collar