AN IMPERIAL LADY'S PADDED KESI DRAGON SURCOAT (LONGGUA) QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

woven with eight roundels, each of a gold kui dragon with painted details, surrounded by bats, flowers, clouds, terrestrial  diagram and waves, each sleeve with three smaller similar roundels, the hem and edges of the sleeves decorated with terrestrial diagrams rising from turbulent waves churning auspicious and precious objects above clouds and lishui stripe

Christie's New York, 4th June 1992, lot 164.

There is minor wear consistent with use. 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.

For most formal occasions, ladies of the imperial court wore surcoats over their robes. The present lot with its padded lining would have been worn during the colder winter months. An embroidered robe with a similar design is illustrated in John E. Vollmer, Dressed to Rule, 18th Century Court Attire in the MacTaggart Art Collection, Edmonton, 2007, p. 43.