253 - A golden-yellow dragon robe and a framed fragment

A golden-yellow dragon robe and a framed fragment China, Qing Dynasty L. 131 cm, B. 216 cm/ 45 x 28 cm (53,5 x 36,5 cm R.) Silk damask (golden yellow). Lining: blue silk. Five gilded bronze spherical buttons. / Satin-stitch embroidery on blue silk. This dragon robe in golden-yellow silk damask is exceptional in terms of both its color and craftsmanship. The design of the motifs corresponds to those of 18th-century robes, though this style was also revived in later periods. The Shou medallions and cranes among the dragons, clouds, and treasures suggest that the robe was worn for a birthday celebration. All parts of the robe were woven directly into the golden-yellow silk satin, in contrast to the usual practice of producing the sleeve inserts and horse-hoof cuffs separately and then sewing them on. Only the edging of the neckline and the fastening toward the right armpit are appliquéd. / The framed embroidery fragment stems from the under-part of a blue robe and depicts a golden dragon reaching for a flaming pearl. Diagonal strips from the hem of the robe are sewn onto the top and bottom. From an old German private collection - Traces of age and wear. Robe: Slightly worn, creases in the middle section. Minor water damage in the lower section. Fragment: Slightly faded