Smith & Singer
3

A dark blue ground formal 'dragon' robe, Chaofu Qing dynasty

Estimate $22,000 – $28,000

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Alternate Views

the midnight-blue summer weave silk worked in couched gold threads with a five-clawed front-facing dragon on the chest, back and shoulders, each encircling a flaming pearl among clouds, bats, ribboned precious objects and scattered peonies and lotus, in multi-coloured counted stitch, all above rocks and waves, and a waist band with two confronted dragons at the front and back, the pleated skirt with twelve dragon roundels and a broad frieze of two pairs of confronted dragons chasing flaming pearls among clouds, bats and precious objects above foaming waves, the interior flap with an additional dragon and flaming pearl and another dragon roundel
133 cm long, 198 cm wide

Provenance

Judith Rutherford Antique Chinese Textiles, Sydney, 23 August 2013
Private Collection, Sydney

Show Catalogue Notes

Catalogue Notes

The chaofu or attire of state is the most important of the ceremonial costumes of the Qing court. The two part construction consisted of a short side-fastening jacket attached to a pleated skirt derived from Ming styles of court dress, and adapted by the Manchu to include features of their equestrian heritage, such as the overlapping right front, narrow sleeves and horse-hoof cuffs, to protect the hands in bad weather.
Compare with a robe exhibited, Draped in Dragons, Chinese Court Costume, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 3 December 2003 – 2 May 2004, pp. 7-8, Fig. 3
A similar robe sold Christie's, South Kensington, 13 May 2011, lot 1012

Condition Report

Some general wear particularly around the neck, shoulders and cuffs. Otherwise generally good condition.

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 Australia is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Saleroom Notices regarding this sale. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS.

CONTACT INFORMATION +

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