Lot 494
  • 494

A BLUE-GROUND EMBROIDERED SILK 'DRAGON' ROBE, JIFU QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY |

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • 142.2 by 210.2 cm, 56 by 82 3/4  in.
vibrantly embroidered against a blue satin silk ground with nine dragons, one on the inner flap, interspersed with gold-couched shou medallions, all above lishui waves supporting the bajixiang emblems, all rendered with polychrome silks and couched with gold-wrapped silk threads

Literature

The strict sumptuary laws of the Qing dynasty promulgated in 1759 and enforced in 1766, required that the Mandarin civil and military officials wear robes covered in dragons and other symbols for all formal occasions appropriate to their positions. Created to represent the universe, the formal court robes display dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst cloud scrolls and other auspicious emblems, often above stripes representing waves and mountains. The shou medallions (eight on the back and eight on the front) on the current robe indicate that it was made to be worn on the occasion of an imperial birthday. The role of the mandarin was not hereditary; it was based on merit and the passing of a very difficult series of imperial examinations which were open to all. Having succeeded in the imperial examinations a mandarin was entitled to wear the official court robes. In his official capacity and wearing the dragon robe, a mandarin then represented the authority of the Emperor and carried the power to institute the will of the Emperor and administer his laws and punishments.

Condition

Overall good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."