A RARE EMBROIDERED FORMAL WINTER DRAGON ROBE (CHAOPAO) QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

couched in gold-wrapped threads on the upper half with four five-clawed dragons surrounded by clouds, bats, and Daoist and Buddhist emblems, above the terrestrial diagram rising from waves, clouds and lishui stripe at the waist and sleeves, the narrow waistband decorated with confronting dragons and a square flap at the side opening enclosing one dragon, above the pleated skirt decorated with fifteen dragon roundels above a band of confronting dragons, one roundel and dragon obscured under the overflap, the cuff and edges all lined with ermine fur

The couching on the sleeve extensions are completely worn away. The horse hoof cuffs have been relined, but the rest of the lining appears to be original and is stained and has some loose seams. There is a small separation between the lining and the piping at the back of the collar. There is a small separation in the ermine fur in the lower border and some restitching of the fur border to the hem. There is also some minor staining to the fur. There are some loose threads to the dragons at the shoulders and on the back. There is a small gap along the center seam in the back. General signs of use overall, however the robe is in good overall 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 other examples of winter chaopao see Costumes and Accessories of the Qing Court, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2005, 6-8, 12 and 16.