A BLUE DRAGON ROBE IN 'KESI' FABRIC

Description:

China, 19th c.
L. 126 cm
Colored silk, gold and silver thread, tabby weave, partly painted with pigments. Bordered with golden silk. Spherical buttons made of gilded bronze.
The usual eight five-clawed dragons set on a dense grid with swastika. Between them floating clouds, bats and treasure ornaments. A ninth dragon is placed on the underneath section on a blue background without a lattice. The neck opening has been altered with fabric from the sleeves.
From a South German private collection, acquired prior to 2000
Some damage due to age and use, sleeves missing