AN IMPERIAL 'APRICOT-YELLOW' GAUZE DRAGON ROBE (JIFU) QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

couched in gold-wrapped threads with nine five-clawed dragons amid multi-colored clouds and bats clutching auspicious objects, the borders at the hem and sleeves worked with crashing waves and terrestrial diagrams, clouds and lishui band, the black collar band and cuffs with similar motifs

The sleeves have been modified and the front vent has been stitched up. There is wear and losses to the brocade border on the right sleeve and the brocade border on the left sleeve is lost. A section of the collar band is loose, and the robe is inlined. There is wear to the front bottom hem. Some of the couched-gold threads are loose, there is staining, fading and other signs of use.
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 the Qing court regulations as noted in Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, 2000, p. 148, the color designated to the crown prince was called apricot yellow. This color often resembled a shade of orange. The smaller-than-adult size of the present lot also points to it being made for a teenager. Since both the Tongzhi and Guangxu emperors ascended their thrones as minors, it is possible that the robe was made for the young Xianfeng, who ascended the throne at age nineteen.