A blue kesi dragon robe with central slits

Description:

China, late 19th c.
H, 149 cm, B. 163 cm
Slit weave (Chinese: kesi) silk (colors on a blue background), metallic thread, plain weave, partially painted with ink and pigments, dragons embroidered. Sleeve extensions: black silk. Binding: Brown silk with a woven gold pattern. Five spherical brass buttons as fasteners. Lining: Light blue silk. The eight dragons are arranged in the customary design among clouds with scattered treasures. At the bottom, the diagonal lines of deep water with waves and rocks. Surprisingly, the lower dragons have each seized the flaming pearl, while the dragon’s head on the front is obscured by the neckline trim. The proportions of the short robe are unusual; it may have been made for a young person or for export.
From an old North German private collection - Partly small damages and wear due to age