A suit of ceremonial armour and helmet, Late Qing dynasty, circa 1900 | 清末 約1900年 繡團龍紋儀仗甲胄一副

Ceremonial suits of armour were an essential part of the imperial wardrobe during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Throughout the year, a wide range of ceremonies were held in the Imperial Palace and hundreds of people were called to assemble in the great courtyards to take part in official rituals. The present suit of armour is an early 20th century replica after the 18th century armours members of the Eight Banners would wear when guarding the Imperial city during the Qianlong reign. 

For an 18th century model of the present suit of armour, see a ceremonial armour made for a high ranking military official, embroidered with four-clawed dragons, cloud scrolls and crashing waves between the roundels, preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession no. 36.25.5). Compare also an 18th century ceremonial suit of armour, sold in our London room 4th November 2021, lot 328, from the collection of Sam and Myrna Myers.