Page 127 - Bonhams Asian and Chinese Art London Nov. 2019

297 (front)

PROPERTY FROM AN ENGLISH PRIVATE COLLECTION,
ACQUIRED 1960S-1990S, LOTS 297-307
297
A RARE IMPERIAL YELLOW SILK EMBROIDERED ‘FIVE Most of the known ‘five symbols robes’ are on green ground, rather
SYMBOLS’ UNMADE ROBE AND TRIMMINGS than yellow, which would have implied use by secondary consorts
19th century rather than Empresses. The further unusual feature on the present
The Imperial yellow silk finely embroidered in extensive detail with robe is the presence of the full seven-point Constellation Ursa Maior
eight silver-faced five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls, with in two groups at the back, which is a rare feature generally worn at
the five of the Twelve Symbols of Imperial Power: Sun, Moon, Axe, Imperial ceremonies.
Fu, and the Constellation in two groups on the back, all among a
ground of Buddhist emblems, bats, shou roundels, and five coloured- From the mid-late Qing Dynasty we see Empresses wearing robes
clouds, above a mass of foaming waves interspersed with coral, bearing the Imperial Symbols: Empress Xiaoshurui, Emperor Jiaqing’s
conch shells and other auspicious symbols, the silk cut to shape consort, is known to have worn robes bearing five of the Imperial
but unmade-up, accompanied by collar and cuff trimmings, all finely Symbols after the death of her Imperial husband, and Dowager
embroidered with trailing lotuses on the dark blue ground. Empress Cixi is known to have worn ‘five symbols robes’ during the
151cm (59 1/2in) long (4). reigns of Tongzhi and Guangxu. It is therefore likely that the present
robe would have been designed for her use.
£4,000 - 6,000
HK$39,000 - 59,000 A similar unmade-up robe on yellow silk, bearing the same five
CNY35,000 - 53,000 symbols but modern trimmings, was sold in our San Francisco rooms,
Fine Asian Works of Art, 18 Dec 2017, lot 951. A complete yellow
Traditionally, the Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority were for the robe, showing the same five Imperial symbols as the present lot,
Emperor’s exclusive use, although it is thought that he may have, on was sold in Bonhams, San Francisco, Fine Asian Works of Art, 16
occasion, granted to distinguished individuals the right to use them December 2014, lot 8253.
as a sign of Imperial favour. There are a number of robes in public and
private collections around the world, which bear a number, but not all
of the Imperial Symbols.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART - PART I | 125