Lot 204
This robe made for the Emperor, is beautifully decorated with the twelve symbols of imperial authority, arranged discreetly among a number of other symbolic and auspicious motifs. On the shoulders of the robe are the sun and the moon, on the front panel above the dragon is a constellation, below that is the fu symbol and the axe head, representing the power to judge and punish respectively, further down is the seaweed, to represent purity, and a pair of sacrificial cups, for filial piety. On the back above the dragon is a motif of mountains, and also the entwined dragons and golden pheasant for adaptability and literary refinement, above a flame motif for wisdom, and the millet symbol to represent the wearer of the garment's ability to feed his people. The use of white thread lifts the embroidered billowing waves and creates an illusion of life and movement. The robe shines with the lustre of the finest silken threads. This robe is lined with imperial yellow silk, mounted in a perspex case measuring 230 width x 16 depth x 183cm height
Estimate $35,000 - $55,000
In excellent condition with the silk in strong and stable state, the colour still rich and matching the inner panel, embroidery in excellent condition
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.
Purchased: Linda Wrigglesworth, London, Irving Galleries, 1991, 4045 Catalogue No. 137
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Celestial Silks, Chinese Religious Court Textiles, 31 August - 24
October, 2004, illus. catalogue no. 27
This robe has appeared in several journal articles.
Blue robes were worn by the emperor at events associated with Heaven. The emperor, possibly Huangdi would have worn this robe during the day of the ceremony taking place at the Temple of heaven. Here, the emperor would pray for rains and an excellent harvest. For centuries, the 'twelve symbols' were associated with the principal annual sacrifices offered by the emperor on behalf of the people at the great imperial alters.
References: Rutherford, J., and Menzies, J., Celestial Silks: Chinese Religious and Court Textiles, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 31 July - 24 October, 2004; Steele, V. and Major, J.S., China Chic - East Meets West, Yale University Press, London, 1999; Vollmer, J. E., Ruling from the Dragon Throne: Costume of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, 2002; Cammann, S., China's Dragon Robes, The Ronald Press Company, New York, 1952; G. Dickinson and L. Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, rev. ed., 2000
EVENING AUCTION: The Decorative Arts Collection of James Fairfax AC
AUCTION
Sale: LJ8201
6:30pm - 31 August 2017
The National Art School, Sydney
VIEWING
Viewing Location
Leonard Joel, 39 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW 2010
Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 August, 11am-6pm
Thursday 31 August, by appointment only
CONTACT
Tim Nicol
timothy.nicol@leonardjoel.com.au
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