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Lot Essay
Madame Christian Rowe Thornett was the daughter of successful tobacco manufacturer and philanthropist Sir Hugh Dixon and Lady Emma Elizabeth Dixson nee Shaw (1844-1922). See footnote to the preceding lot also from the same collection.
The tailoring of robes began, as the current example demonstrates, by joining the left and right side lengths down the back seam, next the half-length panel for the front overlap was seamed to the left front panel. The excess material at the sides and under the arms was removed. The sleeve assembly, consisting of the sleeve extension and cuffs, was attached flat. The lining, as well as the external and internal facings, edge bindings, ribbons, tapes and couched embroidered bands were applied while the garment remained flat. The lower hem and skirt vents were finished, and finally the side and underarm seams sewn.
For another example of a partially sewn robe, see The Imperial Wardrobe: Fine Chinese Costume and Textiles, Christie's New York, 19 March 2008, lot 42, and for further discussion on the construction of robes, see op. cit., p. 85.
The tailoring of robes began, as the current example demonstrates, by joining the left and right side lengths down the back seam, next the half-length panel for the front overlap was seamed to the left front panel. The excess material at the sides and under the arms was removed. The sleeve assembly, consisting of the sleeve extension and cuffs, was attached flat. The lining, as well as the external and internal facings, edge bindings, ribbons, tapes and couched embroidered bands were applied while the garment remained flat. The lower hem and skirt vents were finished, and finally the side and underarm seams sewn.
For another example of a partially sewn robe, see The Imperial Wardrobe: Fine Chinese Costume and Textiles, Christie's New York, 19 March 2008, lot 42, and for further discussion on the construction of robes, see op. cit., p. 85.