AN IMPERIAL EMBROIDERED GREEN LADY'S SEMI-FORMAL COURT ROBE QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY

finely couched in gold-wrapped threads with eight five-clawed dragons enclosed within medallions formed from clouds, bats, waves and terrestrial diagrams, the dark blue collar band, sleeve bands and cuffs decorated with similar motifs and edged with brocade

Sotheby's London, 28th October 1988, lot 42.

The sleeve extensions have been replaced and the robe has been relined. There are loose threads, most noticeable in the dragons on the shoulders. There is wear to the brocade edging and to the couching on the collar and sleeve bands. The buttons have been reattached. There is a loose seam beneath the left sleeve and there is minor staining.
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.

Robes decorated with eight medallions were one style of semi-formal attire designated for the empress and other high-ranking women of the court. The green color of the present lot indicates that it was intended for an imperial consort. A robe of similar style made for an empress is illustrated in John E. Vollmer, Dressed to Rule, 18th Century Court Attire in the MacTaggart Art Collection, Edmonton, 2007, p. 24; and other examples in the Palace Museum, Taipei are illustrated in Costumes and Accessories of the Qing Court, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2005, nos. 98 and 99. Robes of the earlier periods do not typically have the lishui stripe at the hem, whereas later 19th century robes do, such as the Daoguang period green gauze robe in the Palace Museum, op. cit., no. 111.