Image robe, brocaded silk satin, China, 19th century

Image robe of silk brocade, woven in coloured silks, gold thread, and strips of gilt-paper on a green ground.
The design is composed of five-clawed dragons pursuing or grasping flaming jewels amid scrolled clouds. Branches of coral, jewel beads, horn-shaped wine-cups, rolls of precious stuffs, sceptres bound with fillets and other symbolic objects float on the sea waves along the lower border of the robe. Lined with terra-cotta silk.

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:
An imperial robe of brocaded silk with five-clawed dragons, accompanied by the usual attributes and surroundings, woven in coloured silk and gold upon a bright green ground. some of the dragons are coiled round the flaming jewel, the rest grasp it firmly with their claws; they are enveloped in scrolls of columnized clouds; branches of coral and jewel beads, horn-shaped wine cups full of precious stuffs, sceptres bound with fillets and other symbols of rank, riches and culture all floating on the sea waves along the lower borders of the robe.

1606-1901