Court robe with a dragon design

Court robes symbolize both the cosmic order and the hierarchy of terrestrial power, and this one, made for a young prince, is a good example. The wavy stripes at the bottom of the robe represent the sea. Groups of prism-shaped rocks rise from the water at the front, back, and sides of the robe. These represent the earth and the four directions. Above these peaks are dragons among colored clouds, which represent the sky. There are nine dragons, a number reserved for the imperial house. The dragon is the emblem of the masculine (yang) element and hence of the noblemen. The central front dragon with five-clawed legs encircles a flaming orb known as the Pearl of Wisdom. Scattered among the clouds on this robe are the symbolic implements of the Eight Daoist Immortals and other symbols of longevity, indicating it was worn for celebratory occasions.