AN IMPERIAL YELLOW SILK BROCADE 'DRAGON' KANG CUSHION COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

finely woven with a sinuous dragon in couched gold thread clutching a 'flaming pearl' at the center surrounded by a border of blue clouds, the four corners each with a similar dragon in profile, all reserved on an elaborate lotus diaper ground worked in blue, orange, brown, green and gold threads

The brocade is in mostly good condition with the structure and suppleness intact, and only scattered small areas of abrasion/losses to the threads (mostly near the edges), and a small tear to central dragon's eye (as illustrated). The lining on the reverse is loosely attached, has become detached on one side, and has several tears and stains.
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.

Compare a cushion cover with a similar central dragon medallion but on a different ground, and a throne back cushion cover of similar design, both published in Robert D. Jacobsen, Imperial Silks: Ch'ing Dynasty Textiles in The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol. II, Minneapolis, 2000, cat. nos 404 and 418. Two 18th century shaped throne back covers of the same design and technique are published in R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, Chinese Art. The Minors, II, London, 1993, pl. 31, and in The Minor Arts of China, Spink & Son, Ltd., London, 1989, no. 150. Examples nearly identical in design to the present lot sold in these rooms, 25th October 1980, lot 124, and in our Paris rooms, 22nd June 2017, lot 139. See also a related example, but with a cell and star diaper ground, that sold at Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1238.