Robe
1750-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In imperial China, official dress was highly regulated. Only the emperor and empress were allowed to wear bright yellow. Robes made for the emperor featured the Twelve Imperial Symbols of Sovereignty: sun, moon, stars, mountain, dragon, pheasant, axe head, fu symbol, sacrificial cups, waterweed, flame and grain. These represent the emperor's righteous reign.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Satin-weave silk, embroidery in silk and metallic threads; silk damask lining |
| Brief description | Dragon robe for an emperor of yellow satin-weave silk, embroidery in silk and metallic threads, China, 1750-1800 |
| Physical description | Dragon robe for an emperor, of bright yellow satin-weave silk, embroidered with a design of endless swastikas in blue silk. The garment is densely embroidered in coloured silk and metallic threads. There are cloud forms scattered all over, along with bats, swastikas and the 'Twelve symbols'. There are five-clawed dragons on the back and front, and a deep hem border of earth, sea and rocks. There is a band of similar embroidery on a dark blue ground round the neck and cuffs. The tapering sleeves have horse-hoof shaped cuffs, embroidered with dragon designs. The robe is trimmed with blue and gold braid round the neck and sleeves. There are two foot long slits up the centre of the skirt at both front and back. The body of the robe is lined with yellow silk damask with a pattern of lotus-flowers. The sleeves have a lining of plain yellow satin. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by the Forrer Family |
| Summary | In imperial China, official dress was highly regulated. Only the emperor and empress were allowed to wear bright yellow. Robes made for the emperor featured the Twelve Imperial Symbols of Sovereignty: sun, moon, stars, mountain, dragon, pheasant, axe head, fu symbol, sacrificial cups, waterweed, flame and grain. These represent the emperor's righteous reign. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.12-1950 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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