A PAIR OF IMPERIAL APRICOT GROUND BROCADED 'NINE DRAGON' SILK PANELS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular shape, each panel elaborately decorated with nine golden five-clawed dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls against an apricot ground amongst multi-coloured ruyi-shaped clouds, below a border of three further dragons woven in similar fashion on a deep-blue ground, all above foaming waves crashing against a mountain

Both silk panels are in general good condition, with wear to the surface of the apricot silk to the lower right of the right panel, and lower left of the left panel, and wear to the silk waves at the bottom. There is an area of discolouration to the lower left of the left panel (approx. 5 x 18 cm), and some areas of slight fading in various areas for both.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Large tapestries and hangings of this type were used to decorate throne rooms of palaces throughout the Forbidden City. These panels display the opulence of Qing palace interiors through their sumptuous dragon design which is expertly captured in vibrant threads to heighten their grandeur and echoes contemporary imperial robes. Symbolic of the emperor, this motif was particularly popular at the Qing court as it is believed that the legendary Huang Di emperor, immortalised into a dragon and ascended into heaven. Furthermore, the number nine represents celestial power and thus the number of the emperor. 

Such large silk panels are unusual although two similar examples, but decorated on a yellow ground, in the Mactaggart Art Collection, University of Alberta Museums, Edmonton, were sold in our New York rooms, the first, 7th May 1981, lot 158, and the second, 25th February 1983, lot 126. Compare also a smaller example sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27th November 2007, lot 1825; and a horizontal panel embroidered with a similar motif sold in our London rooms, 12th May 2010, lot 143.