A twelve-symbol Imperial court robe (chi'fu) of yellow silk, finely embroidered in couched gilt and silver metal thread with nine dragons against a trellis ground of lotus flowers and scrolling foliage, with the Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority and Shou characters above a sea-wave border, with a fruiting peach tree and various flowers rising from the turbulent waves, trimmed with matching borders and horse shoe cuffs of embroidered midnight blue silk, early 19th century (some wear and tarnishing, buttons missing, unlined)

Details

A twelve-symbol Imperial court robe (chi'fu) of yellow silk, finely embroidered in couched gilt and silver metal thread with nine dragons against a trellis ground of lotus flowers and scrolling foliage, with the Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority and Shou characters above a sea-wave border, with a fruiting peach tree and various flowers rising from the turbulent waves, trimmed with matching borders and horse shoe cuffs of embroidered midnight blue silk, early 19th century (some wear and tarnishing, buttons missing, unlined)
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Lot Essay

The Twelve Symbols are prescribed for the use of the Emperor and his immediate family. Each is thought to represent an aspect of the Emperor's authority whilst symbolising the various dimensions of his domain. For a full discussion of each symbol see Imperial Wardrobe, Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth, pages 76-96

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