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A brown silk gauze semi-formal court robe (jifu) for a man, likely the emperor based on the included Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority. This robe has a nine-dragon pattern, with three five-clawed dragons on the front and back, one on either shoulder, and one hidden dragon under the front flap. The gauze on the robe is embroidered with metal-wrapped threads and multicoloured silk floss using a counted stitch technique, which continues on the trim around the collar and horse-hoof cuffs. There are open slits on the front, back, and two sides of the robe. The Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority, which demonstrate the emperor's divine right to rule, can be found interspersed throughout the front, back, and shoulders of the robe. The sun, moon, and stars reflect the emperor’s constant shining over his territory and people. The mountains reflect the emperor's stable nature, the dragons illustrate his marvelous character, the pheasant represents literary ability, the cups, which are decorated with monkeys, symbolize faithfulness and respect, the seaweed represents a clean mind, the flames symbolize brightness, the axe reveals strong resolve, the fu character symbolizes a discerning mind, and the grain represents his ability to feed his people. The placement of these Twelve Symbols on a garment varied according to the costume regulations implemented by authorities. In the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), only the emperor and his heir could wear the complete set of twelve symbols. The sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, pheasant, axe, and fu symbols were placed at the top of the robe; the cups, flames, seaweed, and grain decorate the lower area of the robe. This robe also has a typical standing wave pattern at the hem, with crashing waves and mountains above. Alongside the dragons and Twelve Symbols, the sky portion of the robe has curly, sinuous clouds and various auspicious Buddhist symbols.