A QING DYNASTY "EIGHT DRAGON" GILT THREAD AND BLUE SILK COURT ROBE, JIFU, 19TH CENTURY, of beautiful silk kesi, blind stitching, and sparkling gold/ silver couched thread embroidery throughout, with a central front facing grimacing dragon surrounding a flaming pearl, over two side profile dragons and two frontal shoulder dragons, amidst flaming pearls, fluttering bats, scrolling ruyi clouds, lingzhi, auspicious floral blooms, eternal knots, and other precious Buddhistic emblems, above the terrestrial diagram with two carp leaping amidst frothy waves and the Lishui stitched hem, flanked by sleeves ending in horse hoof cuffs meticulously detailed with sinuous dragons and partial terrestrial diagram interspersed with Buddhistic emblems; height: 52 1/4", width: 42 1/2"; with frame; height: 63 3/8", width: 64 5/8". 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. Later this was to include high ranking court officials as evidenced by this robe, which has rather unusual details in the use of two carp jumping amidst the frothy waves.

Some scattered loose threads, repairs, light wear, minor soiling on the hem, slight fading, exhibited in a square form transparent UVA lucite 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.”