Chinese Blue Kesi Imperial Court Dragon Robe, Jifu

finely woven in split-weave technique, depicting nine five-clawed dragons pursuing flaming pearls above terrestrial diagram and lishui stripe, amidst ruyi-form clouds, auspicious emblems and bats, the collar and side with further swastika and floral borders, the sleeves accented with village scenes, framed

Provenance:

Property of a Lady. Gift from the Dowager Cixi to Sarah J. Conger Nee Pike, wife of the American Ambassador in China, c. 1898-1905, thence by descent (by Repute)

Labels:

cf. for comparison Christies Imperial Sale; Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 29 May 2013, Hong Kong, Lot 2154. Robert D. Jacobson, Imperial Silks, Qing Dynasty Textiles in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, vol. 1, Minneapolis, 2000, no. 21

• EStimate $5,000 - $7,000