A Chinese Red Silk Wedding Robe (Mang ao) with Dragons

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19th century, a woven pattern red silk ground robe embroidered with ten dragons in gold wrapped threads within roundels, surrounded by vivid blue cloud scrolls, flaming pearls, “Double Happiness” symbols and other auspicious motifs, below is a turbulent sea of waves with three peak mountain to the center representing the universe, the robe is further embellished with large peony blossoms worked in the Peking Knot (Forbidden Stitch), lined with coral silk.

Robes like this one on offer were worn on the occasion of weddings and official ceremonies, this particular type of outfit could only be worn by a wife of a Chinese official whose rank was appropriately high.

36 in. (neck to hem), 74 in. (left sleeve edge to right sleeve edge)
A gift given by General Joe Stilwell (1883-1946) and his wife Winnifred Allison Smith to Agnes Georgia Smith, and thence by descent.
Private North Carolina collection
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Some discoloration to silk; some scattered stains to silk ground; some loose threads; neck area has discoloration and tears to silk with some loss; in similar condition at lower opening of left arm where meets body; embroidery stitches both metallic and silk are in overall very good condition and color is still strong; some color bleeding on silk embroidery threads; lining appears in good condition with a few tears.