Images(2)

Chinese Dragon Robe

Place of ManufactureAsia

MediumMaterial: silk; silk threads; gold thread; brass

DimensionsOverall (width: from cuff to cuff across the shoulders): 201 x 141 cm

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART

Credit LineGift of Kenneth Menzies

Object number2010.011.004

DescriptionBlue silk man's semi-official court robe (jifu) is decorated overall with finely worked satin stitch embroidery and couched gold and orange threads depicting nine large writhing five clawed dragons amidst cloud clusters interspersed with bats, cranes, flaming jewels, beribboned Buddhist and Daoist emblems. Lower portion of the robe is embroidered overall in satin stitch with coloured diagonal parallel (lishu) stripes. There is a band of waves and clouds and symbols of the four directions above this. The lower half of the sleeves are plain black with an embroidered cuff. There is a band of dark silk brocade around the neck edge and cuffs. The robe opens at the right proper side and has five carved brass rounded buttons with loop closures at the side and neck. There is a lower slit opening at the front and back centre of the robe. On the interior is a light blue silk lining. (terrestrial diagram)
Colour: blue; multi-coloured

Status

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