Roundel thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Roundel

late 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This roundel had probably been previously embroidered onto a surcoat, such as those in navy blue worn by the imperial court during important rituals or ceremonies during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

According to the Huangchao Liqi Tushi (Illustrations of Imperial Ritual Paraphernalia), only the Emperor and his consorts (including the Empress), and the Crown Prince, would have worn roundels bearing front-facing dragons. Although it is certain that this roundel would not have adorned the emperor's surcoat (the gunfu), as it is missing the requisite shou character, and solar and lunar symbols, it is not easy to say if this roundel came from the robe of the Crown Prince or the Consorts.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread
Brief description
Roundel, blue silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread, China, Qing dynasty, late 19th century
Physical description
Roundel with coloured embroidery on navy blue silk, motifs embroidered: front-facing dragon in gold thread embroidery; ruyi clouds in various colours; auspicious bats; stylised rocks and waves; Buddhist swastika; longevity peaches.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 11in
Style
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mr T.B. Clarke-Thornhill
Object history
Registered File number 1934/3321.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This roundel had probably been previously embroidered onto a surcoat, such as those in navy blue worn by the imperial court during important rituals or ceremonies during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

According to the Huangchao Liqi Tushi (Illustrations of Imperial Ritual Paraphernalia), only the Emperor and his consorts (including the Empress), and the Crown Prince, would have worn roundels bearing front-facing dragons. Although it is certain that this roundel would not have adorned the emperor's surcoat (the gunfu), as it is missing the requisite shou character, and solar and lunar symbols, it is not easy to say if this roundel came from the robe of the Crown Prince or the Consorts.
Collection
Accession number
T.199B-1934

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Record createdOctober 1, 2010
Record URL
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