Chinese Blue Silk-Ground Brocade-Woven Dragon Robe, Jifu or Longpao, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 18th/19th century, the elaborate longpao jifu in blue silk, embroidered with nine gold dragons, three on the front and three on the back, one on each sleeve and one on the interior fold, all set among ruyi clouds, cranes, bats and auspicious symbols, with five bud-form gilt-metal toggles, a gold band decoration on the sleeves and gold-wrapped threads at the collar and cuffs, lined with blue silk, h. 55", w. 84". A nine-dragon summer robe closely resembling this one can be found in the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington.

The nine-dragon robe with some soiling and unraveling to gold-wrapped threads at cuffs and collar. A few scattered stains throughout and small areas of separation from lining at the hem. Five gilt-metal toggles are present with some losses to the accompanying loops. Some darkening to collar, though overall color maintains intensity and robe is structurally sound. All wear is consistent and expected with age, material and use.