- 508
EMBROIDERED SILK YARDAGE FOR A LADY'S INFORMAL COURT ROBE QING DYNASTY, GUANGXU PERIOD
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- textile
worked with tied bunches of lotus blossoms, leaves and reeds, interspersed with evenly spaced shou medallions couched in gold-wrapped silk threads, confined within the outline of a robe with outstretched sleeves, and stitched together from three lengths of material to form the back, front overlap and front side panel
Condition
There are some loose stitches along the center seam near the collar, but the piece is in good condition.
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
Robes with the pattern of seasonal or auspicious flowers interspersed with shou medallions were particularly popular among the ladies of Empress Dowager Cixi's court. The symbolism of beautiful flowers at their peak paired with the character for longevity held particular appeal for the elderly dowager.
A length of red yardage with the same design is in the collection of the Palace Museum and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Textiles and Embroideries of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2005, no. 244. A similar purple yardage, embroidered with narcissus instead of lotus is illustrated in John E. Vollmer and Jacqueline Simcox, Emblems of Empire: Selections from the Mactaggart Art Collection, Edmonton, 2009, p. 104.
A length of red yardage with the same design is in the collection of the Palace Museum and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Textiles and Embroideries of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2005, no. 244. A similar purple yardage, embroidered with narcissus instead of lotus is illustrated in John E. Vollmer and Jacqueline Simcox, Emblems of Empire: Selections from the Mactaggart Art Collection, Edmonton, 2009, p. 104.