A LADY'S INFORMAL KESI COURT ROBE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

woven with eight medallions containing baskets of flowers surrounded by orchids and auspicious objects, with painted details, the design repeated on the collar and sleeve bands, edged in black and gold brocade, with terrestrial diagram, wave, cloud and lishui border at the hem

Sotheby’s London, 28th October 1988, lot 44

There is fading and light staining overall as well as signs of wear and use. There is wear and separation between the weave colors along the shoulder line and sleeves, as well as a tear on the right sleeve. There is also wear to the borders closing the sleeve and collar bands. There is wear to the fabric under both arms and a tear along the seam under the right arm. There are also a few small worn patches to the bottom right of the lower right medallion on the rear. The robe has been relined.
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.

A similar robe from the Daoguang period is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Costumes and Accessories of the Qing Court, Hong Kong, 2005, no. 109.  Other similar examples dated to the late 19th century are illustrated in Robert D. Jackson, Imperial Silks: Ch'ing Dynasty Textiles in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol. I, Minneapolis, 2000, nos. 97, 98, 101, 102; and an example was sold in these rooms, 18th and 19th March 2014, lot 391.