{"product_id":"late-qing-dynasty-embroidered-silk-dragon-robe","title":"Late Qing Dynasty Embroidered Silk Dragon Robe","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eThis unique garment is a \u003cstrong\u003eLate Qing Dynasty Chinese Silk \"Dragon Robe\" (Longpao)\u003c\/strong\u003e that has been historically re-tailored into a \u003cstrong\u003eWestern-style dressing gown or opera coat\u003c\/strong\u003e. Measuring 46 x 41 inches, it represents a fascinating period of cultural exchange where imperial Chinese textiles were repurposed for European or American high fashion in the early 20th century.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe garment is constructed from a deep \u003cstrong\u003emidnight blue silk satin\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring the highly regulated iconography of the Qing imperial court, now reconfigured into a mid-length coat silhouette.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperial Iconography:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFive-Clawed Dragons:\u003c\/strong\u003e The robe features prominently embroidered five-clawed dragons (\u003cem\u003elong\u003c\/em\u003e) pursuing the \u003cstrong\u003eFlaming Pearl\u003c\/strong\u003e, symbolizing power, wisdom, and the Emperor’s role as the mediator between heaven and earth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cosmic Landscape:\u003c\/strong\u003e The lower hem displays the traditional \u003cstrong\u003eLishui (standing water)\u003c\/strong\u003e border—diagonal stripes representing the deep sea—topped by \u003cstrong\u003ewave-lashed rocks (Mount Meru)\u003c\/strong\u003e, which represent the center of the universe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuspicious Clouds:\u003c\/strong\u003e The field is filled with scrolling \u003cstrong\u003eRuyi-shaped clouds\u003c\/strong\u003e and various \"Eight Auspicious Symbols,\" including the endless knot and the precious vase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern Alterations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStructural Changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The original side-fastening, wrap-front design of a Chinese robe has been cut and resewn into a symmetrical, open-front jacket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Collar:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Western-style \u003cstrong\u003eshawl collar\u003c\/strong\u003e has been fashioned using the original sleeve or neck trimmings, creating a distinct lapel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cuffs:\u003c\/strong\u003e The traditional \"horseshoe cuffs\" (\u003cem\u003epajiaoxiu\u003c\/em\u003e) have been removed and replaced with straight-cut cuffs finished with blue silk piping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe embroidery is a masterclass in \u003cstrong\u003emetallic gold-thread couching\u003c\/strong\u003e. Thick gold threads are laid on the surface of the silk and secured with fine, often invisible, silk stitches to create the shimmering, scaly bodies of the dragons. This is complemented by vibrant \u003cstrong\u003esatin stitch\u003c\/strong\u003e embroidery for the floral and cloud details.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition and Historical Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWhile the alteration to a Western style technically changes the \"original\" state of the imperial garment, such pieces are highly collectible as examples of \u003cstrong\u003e\"Chinoiserie\" fashion\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWear:\u003c\/strong\u003e The silk ground appears well-preserved, though the metallic threads may show light tarnishing typical of age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignificance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The presence of five-clawed dragons suggests the original textile was intended for a member of the imperial family or a high-ranking official before it was repurposed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Media Antiques \u0026 Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45878697689322,"sku":"125103014","price":10401.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/9510\/4746\/files\/IMG_1108_3167043.jpg?v=1773037707","url":"https:\/\/www.mediajewelry.com\/en-ae\/products\/late-qing-dynasty-embroidered-silk-dragon-robe","provider":"Media Antiques \u0026 Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}