AN IMPERIAL APRICOT-YELLOW KESI DRAGON ROBE (JIFU) QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

brightly woven with nine five-clawed dragons surrounded by clouds, bats, cranes, emblems of the 'Eight Immortals' and shou medallions, all centered on a basket of peaches and narcissus, the sleeves and hem bordered by a lishui stripe below clouds, churning waves with precious objects and terrestrial diagrams, the collar band and cuffs decorated en suite, the sleeve extensions of dark blue ribbed silk

Linda Wrigglesworth Ltd.

There are repairs to the collar and cuffs, and each cuff has a small hole. The robe is possibly retailored and the lining is stained and has a seal impression and an inscription. There are also loose seams between the lining and shell. The button loops are worn and some buttons replaced. There is a loose seam on the left beneath the arm. There is minor fading, staining and puckering.
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.

According to the Qing court regulations as noted in Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, 2000, p. 148, the color designated to the crown prince was apricot yellow.  However, during the regency of the Tongzhi and Guangxu emperors, the regent may have been allowed to wear apricot-yellow robes with some of the Imperial Symbols of Authority, op. cit., p. 96, for an example of which see lot 514.