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Accession Number 2005.5.175 Title Embroidered Apricot Silk Dragon Robe for the Heir Apparent Category clothing Object Type robe Artist unknown Date Made date unknown Place Made China Culture Chinese Period Qing 19th century Materials orange silk twill embroidered with silk and metal-wrapped threads Materials Glossary Embroidery View Materials Glossary Details » Measurements overall: 130 cm x 180 cm; neck to hem: 130 cm; cuff to cuff: x 180 cm Description

This apricot coloured silk dragon robe is embroidered with many auspicious symbols. Nine dragons appear in typical fashion - three on the front, three on the back, two on either shoulder, and one hidden under the…

This apricot coloured silk dragon robe is embroidered with many auspicious symbols. Nine dragons appear in typical fashion - three on the front, three on the back, two on either shoulder, and one hidden under the outer flap. The narrow sleeve shape follows a typical Manchu imperial court robe with dark blue sleeve inserts and a horse hoof-shaped cuff. Embroidered collar facings and sleeve cuffs feature five-clawed dragons couched in gold metal-wrapped thread, clouds, bats, and auspicious wan symbols. Narrow, gold metal-wrapped thread brocade trim in a geometric pattern edges these borders.

Auspicious symbols can be seen throughout the robe, including the Buddhist eight treasures of lotus, parasol, wheel of the law, victory banner, conch, fish, endless knot, and vase. The hem of this robe has a typical rocks, waves, and standing water pattern. The wan symbol can be found throughout the robe background, which represents "eternity" or "infinity".

Read More + Credit Line Gift of Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart