A QING DYNASTY "NINE DRAGON" GILT THREAD AND DEEP BLUE SILK FORMAL COURT ROBE, CHIFU, 19TH CENTURY, of silk kesi with gold and silver couched thread embroidery throughout, with a central front facing four clawed grimacing dragon, over two side profile dragons, and two frontal shoulder dragons, flaming pearls, fluttering bats, scrolling ruyi clouds, lingzhi, auspicious floral blooms, eternal knots, and other precious Buddhistic emblems, horse hoof cuffs, terrestrial diagram with Lishui. Height: 52 1/4" Width: 42 1/2" Note: According to the 1759 decree of the Emperor Qianlong, Princes of the blood (ranked 3rd and below, including Dukes and Marquises) were allowed to wear four claw dragons

Good condition with scattered loose threads, repairs, light wear, and some minor soiling on the hem, some fading, and exhibited in a rectangular transparent plastic cover and showing the backside of the robe, hand-stitched to a neutral silk cloth-covered backing. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."