A BLUE EMBROIDERED SEMI-FORMAL DRAGON ROBE (JIFU) QING DYNASTY, JIAQING PERIOD

finely couched in gold-wrapped threads with nine five-clawed dragons, against a ground of dense clouds interspersed with bats and emblems of the 'Eight Immortals', the sleeves and hem bordered by a lishui stripe below clouds, churning waves with precious objects and terrestrial diagrams, the black collar band and cuffs decorated en suite, the sleeve extensions of midnight-blue ribbed silk

Property from an East Coast Institution (The Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Connecticut, according to label sewn into the hem).
Christie’s New York, 19th September 1995, lot 352.

The robe is unlined and the buttons are missing. The collar band is loose and is worn. The couching on the collar band and cuffs is loose. There is a label from the Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, CT, sewn into the inside of the front hem.
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.

According to Qing court regulations, blue robes would have been worn by first rank princes, their heirs apparent, or second rank princes.