AN IMPERIAL APRICOT-YELLOW EMBROIDERED FOUR-SYMBOL DRAGON ROBE QING DYNASTY, GUANGXU PERIOD

finely couched in gold-wrapped threads with nine five-clawed dragons surrounded by multi-colored clouds, shou medallions, and bats clutching auspicious objects, the 'Four Symbols of Imperial Authority' arranged around the neck, including the sun, moon. mountains and constellation, all enclosed within borders of crashing waves with terrestrial diagrams incorporating auspicious objects, clouds and lishui band at the hem and sleeves, the black collar band and cuffs with similar motifs

Sotheby's New York, 7th and 8th April 1988, lot 110.

The collar band is a replacement. The symbols on the front and back below the collar were added later. The robe has been relined and possibly retailored. The sleeve extensions have been replaced and an identification inscription from the selvage appears at the seam under one sleeve. Overall the robe 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.

An example of an orange-ground Twelve Symbol dragon robe is illustrated in Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, 2000, pl. 77, where the authors note that during the Tongzhi and Guangxu reigns, both emperors ascended their thrones as minors. Uncles serving as their regents therefore, already part of the imperial family and entitled to wear apricot-yellow, may also have been given the right to wear some of the imperial symbols in recognition of their special duties. In the present lot, two of the symbols appear to have been added later.