Lot 147
the fine burgundy silk ground embroidered with nine gilt-thread long dragons grasping at 'flaming pearls' as seen to the front and back, shoulders and lowers panels, against brightly coloured ruyi clouds, cranes, shou medallions, bajixiang emblems, bats suspending shou characters, the symbol for longevity, all indications of the wearer's wish for a 'long and happy life', above crashing waves and a tall golden lishui border, the collar and cuffs with further dragons and striped sleeves, 138.5cm high
Catalogue Note: this is a fine example of the richly patterned summer male dragon robes, characteristically worn by Mandarins of the provincial court. Robes such as these were produced in only two colours, burgundy and blue, burgundy such as this one, being the colour of the higher-ranking officials, blue the colour of the lower ranks. This robe is a very fine example of the workmanship produced by the new looms that were introduced during this period, the steam jacquard looms, horse-shoe cuff sleeves, typical of Qing court costume, original gilt buttons.
Reference: For an almost identical robe, please refer to 'Dressed to Rule: Imperial Robes of China', National Gallery of Victoria, April - September, 2009; for the lower ranking version of the same in blue, please see Mossgreen, Melbourne, 16-17 November, 2009, lot 110, also see "Dressed to Rule: Imperial Robes of China", National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 17 April - 6 September, 2009
Estimate $15,000 - $20,000
(The lower arms with a restored striped pattern and elaborate cuffs, there is a noticeable cut to the sleeve, some stains to the body and lining)
The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice.
Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.
Classic Furniture & Objects Auction
AUCTION
Sale: LJ2451
11:00am - 30 May 2015
333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra 3141
VIEWING
Saturday 23 May 10am - 5pm
Sunday 24 May 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 27 May 9am - 8pm
Thursday 28 May 10am - 4pm
Friday 29 May 10am - 4pm
CONTACT
Guy Cairnduff
guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au
SIMILAR ITEMS
Lot 148
A RARE CHINESE IMPERIAL SEMI-FORMAL CHESTNUT BROWN NINE-DRAGON (LONGPAO) ROBE (JIFU), QING DYNASTY, LATE KANGXI PERIOD/EARLY YONGZHE...
Estimate: $40,000-60,000
Lot 240
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941)
Estimate: $30,000-40,000
Lot 239
ROBERT PRENZEL, (1866-1941)
Estimate: $20,000-30,000
Lot 100
PIETRO BAZZANTI, ITALIAN, CIRCA 1900 A FLORENTINE WHITE MARBLE AND TINTED ALABASTER FIGURE OF A GIRL
Estimate: $18,000-22,000