LATE QING DYNASTY

A very similar embroidered robe is illustrated by J. E. Vollmer, Decoding Dragons: Status Garments in Ch'ing Dynasty China, University of Oregon Museum of Art, 1983, p. 95, pl. 50. The author notes that red-ground non-official formal coats for Manchu women became increasingly popular in the 19th century. Many such robes were decorated with symbols such as the crane, which probably served as celebratory costume for older Manchu women.

Compare, also, a kesi example included in the inventory of Yamanaka & Company, Inc., New York, 1943, Catalogue, no. 1503; and the gauze example sold at Christie's New York, 23 March 1995, lot 286. Another similar robe was also sold at Christie's New York, 20 March 1997, lot 273.