Impressive imperial mandate scroll, over 13 feet long with five panels of silk brocade woven with cloud and dragon motifs. Written in Manchu and Mandarin Chinese, with two imperial seals on center panel. Appears to date from the Tonghzi period, c. 1858. Later English inscription to lower left corner reads "Emp. Tong Chih 1862-75". Dimensions: (Including rod) W 13" x L 165" Condition: Tears, fraying and insect holes apparently isolated to (2) leftmost panels; damage does not appear to affect the body of the text. Silk panels with sun fading and areas of minor soiling throughout; paper backing with some browning, soiling and handling wear. Apparently missing rod finials.

All the items in this auction remain at our Gallery in Norwalk, CT for pickup or shipping. Items must be picked up in the time frame of Monday, August 1st - Friday, August 12th, WEEKDAYS ONLY, 9-5. We will offer in-house shipping to the Contiguous USA for select smaller items in this sale, please contact us prior to bidding for a quote as purchases are not contingent on shipping. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be requested via email. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Westport Auction shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.