Imperial robe, silk tapestry (kesi) with painted details, China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-95)

Imperial robe of silk tapestry (kesi), woven in coloured silks and gold thread; some of the details have been executed with the brush.
Woven with medallions containing five-clawed dragons pursuing or grasping flaming jewels, the intervening space is covered with gold swastika fret overlaid with flying storks and bats, sprays of flowers and scrolled clouds. The lower border and sleeves are encircled with a striped pattern culminating in waves on which symbolical objects are floating. The collar and sleeves have bands of dragon designs on a fretted ground. Lined with light blue silk damask.

Purchased from Mr. P. Kierulff (Villa Peking, Hellerup, Denmark), accessioned in 1901. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Purchased. Registered File number 31783/191.

Note on register:
Imperial robe of woven brocade (kesi) of the Qianlong period (1736-95), of unusually close design and finished execution, although in some places the bird and flowers are lightly touched with the brush. Covered with medallions containing five-clawed dragons enveloped by flames and clouds, in the intervals of a ground of gold swastika fret overlaid with flying storks and bats and occasional sprays of peony, chrysanthemum and other flowers which is interrupted by brightly variegated scrolls of clouds. The skirt has the usual striped border culminating in rolling waves and spread with floral sprays. The collar and sleeves have bands of the same dragon designs on fretted ground woven upon a smaller scale.

1610-1901