East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1911 CE. A beautiful silk robe for a member or official of the Imperial Court, covered in extensive embroidery in metallic threads featuring dragons and scrolling clouds. Dragons symbolized divine power, and in China only members of the imperial court and certain government officials could wear the dragon robes - the designs and colors indicating their rank. The four-clawed dragons - as seen here - were worn by lower-ranking individuals. There were special factories set up that created clothing for the court, employing thousands of women to hand stitch these robes using opulent threads in shimmering silver and golden hues that were couched onto the fabric. The metallic effect was achieved by covering the silk threads in gold foil. Size: 55" L x 60" W (139.7 cm x 152.4 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#185136

Some tearing to silk base textile on the sleeves and shoulders. Fraying and losses to threads along seams and some seams are coming apart. Losses fraying and losses to embroidery, but most is intact. Overall good condition for age. Not recommended for wearing due to delicate seams.