- 511
A RARE IMPERIAL BROWN EMBROIDERED SEMI-FORMAL DRAGON-ROBE (JIFU) QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- textile
the brown silk ground couched in gold-wrapped threads with nine five-clawed dragons, one hidden from view, surrounded by multi-colored auspicious clouds interspersed with bats, and sprigs of prunus, narcissus and marigolds, the sleeves and hem bordered by bands of turbulent waves incorporating clouds and auspicious objects with the terrestrial diagram rising above them, all above wavy lishui stripes, the collar band and horse-hoof cuffs at the end of the ribbed sleeve extensions similarly worked with dragons and clouds
Provenance
Property from a New York Collection.
Christie's New York, 26th March 2003, lot 70.
Christie's New York, 26th March 2003, lot 70.
Condition
There is loose couching around the collar band and along the fold line across the shoulders. There are small repairs to a number of dragons, where loose couched threads have been reattached, and a small repair to the front above the center slit. There is wear to the white threads in the central dragon's tail. The robe has been relined, and there is some staining along the hem and cuffs.
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
Brown-ground jifu are among the rarest, and it is unusual to find a robe decorated with floral springs instead of Buddhist or Daoist auspicious symbols. A Jiaqing period robe with floral sprig decoration is illustrated in John E. Vollmer, Dressed to Rule, 18th Century Court Attire in the MacTaggart Art Collection, Edmonton, 2007, pp. 10-11.
Very few brown robes from the early Qing dynasty survive today. For examples sold in our Hong Kong rooms see 9th October 2007, lot 1331, for a Jiaqing period robe, and 8th October 2013, lot 3088 for an 18th century kesi example.
Very few brown robes from the early Qing dynasty survive today. For examples sold in our Hong Kong rooms see 9th October 2007, lot 1331, for a Jiaqing period robe, and 8th October 2013, lot 3088 for an 18th century kesi example.