AN EMBROIDERED SILK LADY'S INFORMAL COURT ROBE QING DYNASTY, LATE 19TH CENTURY

embroidered with eight medallions, each with a pair of cranes surrounded by and wide band of prunus sprigs and butterflies, the design repeated on the cuffs, collar and sleeve bands, edged in black and gold brocade, with terrestrial diagram and lishui border at the hem

James Acheson, costume designer, 'The Last Emperor', 1987.
Sothebys.com, Movie Memorabilia - The Last Emperor, 18th June 2002.

There is slight fading to the color and some minor scattered stains. The robe has possibly been relined and there is scattered fading and staining to the lining. The coached gold threads around the collar are loose, and there may be minor touch ups.
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.

An embroidered robe with a similar design is illustrated in Robert D. Jackson, Imperial Silks: Ch'ing Dynasty Textiles in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol. I, Minneapolis, 2000, no. 103. Kesi robes with similar design are illustrated ibid., nos.  97, 98, 101 and 102, and examples have sold in these rooms, 18th and 19th March 2014, lot 391, and 16th and 17th September 2014, lot 522.