A Finely Embroidered Blue Silk Four-Clawed Dragon Robe

Qing dynasty (1644-1911), the dark blue ground silk robe is embroidered with two gold metallic thread four-clawed dragons (mang) facing each other in profile and then above them a four-clawed dragon frontal facing, below these dragons are two "flying fish" dragons (feiyu) emerging from the water below, many more details including mountain and ruyi patterns all amid colored clouds and flaming pearls, it is lined with a contemporary batting to perhaps retain its shape while being hung up for display.

53 x 68 in.

Beginning in the 15th century, the emperor would bestow silk robes with four-clawed dragons to his most loyal subjects.

Loose and pulled gold metallic threads; tears and small holes at arms and shoulders where previously hung; light staining; fraying to silk collar and near waist button; minor losses to embroidery thread.