A CEREMONIAL SUIT OF ARMOR WITH HELMET QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY |

comprising a jacket and apron embroidered overall with a navy blue diaper pattern on a gold filé ground, set with brass studs and trimmed with dark brown velvet, with detachable panels, helmet and gilt metal mounts, with a painted lacquer hat box (15)

Collection of Robert Leroy Ripley (1890-1949) of 'Ripley's Believe It or Not' mid-1940s, (by repute).
Sotheby's New York, 23rd March 2004, lot 554.

In overall good condition with minor expected wear. The fabric lining with staining and with scattered small thread losses and pulls. The helmet's organic material and decoration with scattered losses including to the pearls.
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.

Suits of armor of this type were worn by high-ranking officers during ceremonies when the emperor reviewed his armies to assess their strength and techniques of calvary, archery and combat. Made of satin padded with cotton, trimmed and lined with blue silk, they were covered with gilt studs and embroidered with dragon roundels. According to Valerie M. Garrett in Chinese Clothing: An Illustrated Guide, Oxford, 1994, p. 122, ceremonial suits of armor 'were made in the Imperial workshops in Hangzhou, and when not worn were stored at the Western Gate of the Forbidden City'.  Compare with an almost identical ceremonial suit of armor, in satin covered with metal studs and embroidered with dragon roundels, in the museo Oriental de Valladoid, illustrated ibid., fig. 11.2; another similar suit of ceremonial armor was sold at Sotheby's London, 13 November 2002, lot 17.