Kesi Silk Tapestry Qing Court Dragon Robe–Mangpao

China, Qing Dynasty, Xianfeng period, late 19th century
Dimensions 54.5” x 84” (138 x 213 cm)

Slit-weave silk tapestry informal court robe with 9 five-clawed imperial dragons on a pale blue ground above colourful mountains, crashing waves and multicolour wave bands of the lower border. The ground dotted with silver coloured bats, crane roundels, symbols of Daoist immortals and Buddhist emblems amid the clouds and flames. 16 band sleeves and horse hoof cuffs with matching kesi dragons. Partially lined in light blue silk damask. The use of gold roundels in the wave sections and crane roundels strongly suggests a dating for this robe to the Xianfeng period.

Compare with a related mangpao of lighter blue with the same motif of bats, symbols and flying cranes and dated to Guangxu period in Christie’s New York sale 8OCT2015 Lot 506.

NOTE: The Absence of condition report should not be taken as statement that there are no condition issues. Potential clients are urged to preview items in person and to request condition reports on specific lots of interest to ensure satisfactory information prior to bidding.