Late Qing Dynasty (19th century) Chinese lady’s front-opening summer gauze kesi surcoat decorated with eight polychrome roundels, featuring a central crane surrounded by butterflies and flowers, set against a dark cobalt blue ground. The crane motif indicates the robe would have been worn by the wife of a first-rank civil official. The sleeve ends are decorated with a water and wave motif...

Extraordinary 19th century (Qing Dynasty) Chinese Manchu style silk robe embroidered in polychrome and gilt metallic threads with 8 visible 5-clawed dragons, plus one hidden dragon on the inside flap, depicted in full-face and profile poses against a blue ground. Each dragon is chasing a flaming pearl (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) and is surrounded by clouds and various auspicious symbols...

Qing Dynasty Chinese Manchu style summer silk gauze robe decorated in copper colored metallic threads with a brocade pattern featuring 8 visible 5-clawed dragons, plus one hidden dragon on the inside flap, depicted in full-face and profile poses against a blue ground. Each dragon is chasing a flaming pearl (symbolizing the Buddhist notion of enlightenment) and is surrounded by clouds and various auspicious symbols. The dragon's eyes are accented in black and white...