Details
An Imperial concubine's formal court robe (chi'fu) of orange silk, embroidered with nine gilt dragons and all twelve symbols of Imperial Authority, with black ground borders and cuffs, late 19th century (some fading to front)
See Colour Plate 8
See Colour Plate 8
Further details
Orange robes with twelve symbols are rare. The colour is thought to denote a close member of the Imperial family, probably a second rank consort or concubine. The wearing of these symbols was exclusive to the Emperor prior to the 19th century. When rules became slightly less rigorously enforced in the late Ching Dynasty, the Emperor occasionally granted the priviledge of wearing robes such as this. The priviledge seems to have been restricted mainly to members of his immediate family.
Sale room notice
Illustrated on colour plate 8, top left, but wrongly numbered as Lot 8