Qing dynasty (AD 644-1911)
Length 250 cm, Width 151 cm
Acquired from another collection

This robe is outlined in riotously colourful embroidered images using blue, red, white, grey and purple thread on a sheet of golden yellow silk. The base material is the colour of pure gold, atop which dazzling bight complex and vital images have been meticulously embroidered. This piece of robe material is of the highest quality. In ancient China yellow garments and dragon designs were reserved for the Emperor alone. Thus it can be deduced that this piece of yellow silk robe material, featuring a host of dragons, was very likely made to offer as tribute to the Qing court.