A Chinese black-ground gunfu robe dating from the 19th century. It features four dragon roundels with gold thread. Each front-facing, five-clawed dragon chases a flaming pearl over a wave and rock motif while surrounded by bats with the Eight Buddhist emblems. Each roundel has a patch sewn onto the top portion, depicting in total four of the twelve Symbols of Sovereignty in Chinese royalty. Included are the symbols of the sun and moon, as well as the mountains and the three-star constellation.

Dimensions are: 45 1/2 inches tall X 60 1/2 inches wide, 115.6 cm X 153.7 cm. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: It is in overall good condition with areas of loose threads.

A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission.

Provenance: From the collection of Mr. Williams in Texas. Mr. Williams has more than 50 years of collecting experience in Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and the Central Plains of China. He has participated in sales around the world including in Hong Kong and throughout Tibet and Europe. This lot was purchased from Nagel Auction on May 7th, 2010, as lot 458.

Notes: Although this robe was used for perhaps the grandest, most formal occasions an emperor would experience--coronations or important religious events taking place at the Altar of Heaven--its design is rather simple. Where the more common official's attire, the dragon robe, is notoriously elaborate, often covered with dragons, auspicious symbols, and all manner of embroidery, this imperial gunfu robe consists only of four roundels on a solid, dark ground. Front-facing, five-clawed dragons occupy each of these roundels, distinguishing this robe as imperial. Moreover, each dragon is also accompanied by an emblem from the 12 Symbols of Imperial Authority, which were only permitted to be worn by the emperor himself. The shoulders feature the motifs of the sun and moon, symbolized by the rabbit and rooster and representing the principles of yin and yang. The front of the robe has the three-star constellation symbolizing the universe, which would have faced towards the Altar of Heaven as the emperor performed his duties during sacrificial events. Accordingly, the mountain emblem representing the earth is placed on the back of the robe and would have faced away from the Altar of Heaven. Elsewhere within each roundel are numerous other auspicious symbols, including bats and the Eight Buddhist Emblems, to grace the emperor and his vital duties. This garment embodies the emperor himself, signifying his powers, duties, and place within the universe, all innately bestowed to him. It goes without saying that this gunfu robe is one of only a few to have ever existed, and it deserves the place of honor in a worthy collection.

A similar example can be found in the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing under the accession number 00045124. A similar example has been sold at Christie's New York on September 24, 2020 as lot 1624.

High resolution photos can be found here."

乾隆三十一年（1766）完成的《皇朝 禮器圖式》定型了補服規制：皇帝袞服，繡五爪正面金龍四團，兩肩前後各一，其章左日右月，前後萬壽篆文。簡言之，圓形補子的等級高於方形補子；團紋越多，等級越高；正龍高於行龍，龍高於蟒，蟒高於飛禽和走獸 。乾隆時期定制後，袞服多為日、月兩章，亦間有四章和十二章；嘉道以後，皇帝袞服基本沿襲乾隆朝定制。本品圓領，對襟，平袖，直身式，四開裾，綴銅鎏金鏨花盤扣五枚。石青素緞服面。兩肩及前後襟繡五爪正面金龍四團，兩肩金龍用十二章紋為飾，其章左日、右月。前後衣襟金龍用八寶為圈飾。四龍龍身皆環以五色雲、紅色蝙蝠、壽桃與靈芝等吉祥紋飾，以寓洪福齊天。袞服為朝、祭等莊重的禮儀場合穿用的服飾。本件袞服四金龍都是正面團龍，定是為當朝皇帝所用，故珍貴非凡，值得收藏保存。 參閱故宮博物院藏清道光石青色緙絲四團彩雲金龍紋貂皮小袞服，編號故00045124。佳士得紐約2020年9月拍賣，編號1624。参阅链接请见上方英文。"