Page 240 - Nov 29 2017 HK Important Chinese Ceramics

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
3028
A RARE CHESTNUT EMBROIDERED GAUZE
DRAGON ROBE FOR AN IMPERIAL PRINCE
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
The reddish-brown gauze ground is finely worked in couched
gold threads and counted stitch with nine five-clawed dragons
on the front and back panels, and one on the underflap, the
dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst a ground of multi-coloured
clouds interspersed with bats and precious objects, above a hem
of cresting waves tossed with further auspicious objects, and the
lishui stripe, with midnight-blue borders at the collar and cuffs
further embellished with striding dragons and related motifs, and
midnight-blue ribbed sleeve extensions.
42 æ in. (108.5 cm.) long, 66 Ω in. (169 cm.) wide
HK$400,000-600,000 US$52,000-77,000
PROVENANCE
Acquired in Hong Kong in 1995
In summer, the Manchu rulers and nobility exchanged their heavy
satin robes for lighter garments made of silk gauze to allow for better
ventilation. The gossamer quality of the material, coupled with the
rich chestnut colour on this robe, provide a perfect foundation for gold
couching and embroidery carried out in multi-coloured thread, creating
a strong visual contrast and three-dimensional effect.
The current robe was probably made for a first-rank prince, his heir
apparent or a second-rank prince. The colour of this robe is known as
jiang in Chinese, which is written in two characters interchangeably
meaning either ‘dark red’ or ‘sauce’. It was a popular choice of colour
for robes during the Qianlong period, and was particularly favoured by
the Emperor himself.

清乾隆 絳色紗納繡彩雲金龍紋吉服
來源
1995年購於香港

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