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Chinese Dragon Robe

D
9 years ago
AI Appraisal
Description

Looks to be quite old with gold threads and lots of embroidery. Measures 108" wide (end of sleeve to end of sleeve) x 60" Long. Sleeves are very loose and roomy. It has Chinese writing inside of lining as seen in pics. I would appreciate a translation. Has some wear on backside as seen in pic. It has a dragon on chest and back, on each shoulder, two on lower front and two on lower back as well as 1 on each sleeve. Seems to have embroidery of fish , swaztikas, and flowers as well as the dragons. Looks to be at least partially made of silk. Embroidery threads are quite coarse or thick. Has an old sales tag from Abrams-Miller in Atlanta Ga.  c1820 (as seen on tag). I bought it at Auction a few months ago. It was encased in a plexiglass case for years. It was from the estate of an elderly gentleman who owned it for many years.

Category Asian Art
Medium silk
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item 108" wide x 60" long
Date Period c1820?
Weight a few pounds
History owned by Florida gentleman for 40 to 50 yrs. I bought at auction a few months ago. Item was encased and buyers were unable to properly inspect it
Price Paid (If known) $1430
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Submitted by white heron

The translation will give you the best outcome for this, but here are a few more points for your Qing Dynasty ground dragon long robe. The Qing Dynasty seems to be the one with the lesser number of long robes, so I'd assume it would fetch more at auction, but that of course depends on condition. Definitely get it to a major auction house specialist for appraisal, (and sale if you change your mind.)

The gold thread will be coarse as gold metallic thread was often used for stitching/couching. The rounded neck is traditional, as is yellow or yellowy gold the colour for members of the royal family and others of high position. (Icons like phoenix predominantly for female members, dragons for male.) Members of the military and other officers wore robes adorned with tigers and horses.

Grounded dragon robes were always an emblem of your status and taste. With its having a worn back side, its owner was most likely someone seated for long periods. 

It seems you already have the date so get the translation - this is really exciting!

Submitted by white heron

Have been doing a little research on the kanji, and reading the last character bottom right combined with one on left translates as "chao" - imperial court or dynasty.

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