- 406
A RARE IMPERIAL EMBROIDED 'FIVE SYMBOL' GAUZE DRAGON ROBE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- textile
finely worked in counted stitch and couched gold-wrapped threads with nine five-clawed dragons, the faces and claws of the front-facing dragons incorporating silver-wrapped threads, the symbols for the sun and moon placed on the shoulders, the constellation of Ursa Major split into two groups on the back, the ax-head and fu-symbol flanking the main dragon on the front, all surrounded by clouds and auspicious emblems, enclosed by terrestrial diagrams and lishui borders at the hem and sleeves, the design repeated on the collarband and horsehoof cuffs
Provenance
Acquired in Beijing in the late 1990s.
Condition
There have been alterations to the sleeves with the addition of sleeve extensions and cuffs to modify the robe. It is possible the robe was a bolt of uncut fabric, later tailored, and lining added.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
A similar turquoise ground five symbol robe is illustrated in Gary Dickson and Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, 2000, pl. 76, where the authors surmise that such a robe was probably made for use by an imperial consort. According to Qing court regulations, the use of this color was restricted to women only and the use of the Twelve Imperial Symbols on clothing was restricted to the Emperor, however, the emperor could confer the right to use all or any of the twelve symbols as a mark of favor.
The five symbols on the present lot are the sun, moon and stars, which represent the universe, the fu which represents the power to judge, and the ax-head which represents the power to punish.
The present lot is in the style of a man's robe, but as noted, this rare turquoise color was restricted to women. It is therefore likely that the robe was modified, or was originally a bolt of yardage that was later constructed into a man's robe.
The five symbols on the present lot are the sun, moon and stars, which represent the universe, the fu which represents the power to judge, and the ax-head which represents the power to punish.
The present lot is in the style of a man's robe, but as noted, this rare turquoise color was restricted to women. It is therefore likely that the robe was modified, or was originally a bolt of yardage that was later constructed into a man's robe.