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

couched in gold-wrapped threads on the upper half with four five-clawed dragons surrounded by clouds, bats, and the 'Eight Auspicious Emblems' executed in knotted stitch, above terrestrial diagrams clouds and jewels emerging from waves 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 eighteen dragon roundels above a band of confronting dragons, part of the waistband, two roundels and one dragon on the skirt obscured by the overflap, edged with blue and gold brocade

The gold braiding along the borders is later later to replace worn couching. There are loose gold couched threads, most noticeable on the dragons on the chest, shoulder and waist. There are some loose gold threads on the right sleeve. The lining shows signs of use and there are tears between the lining and the shell. There is wear to the back of the collar.
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.

The chaofu was the most formal of official attire. A complete set consisted of the chaopao, such as the present lot, a hat with appropriate button finial, a detachable collar, a belt, a surcoat with rank badge, and a court necklace of one-hundred and eight beads. Another example of a mid-19th century chaopao is illustrated in Robert D. Jackson, Imperial Silks: Ch'ing Dynasty Textiles in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol. I, Minneapolis, 2000, no. 1.