Emperor’s semiformal court robe
Place of OriginChina
Dateapprox. 1700-1800
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsCut silk (kesi) and gold thread
DimensionsH. 55 in x W. 81 3/4 in, H. 139.7 cm x W. 207.6 cm
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of B. Rosenberg
Object number1996.5
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsTextiles
On View
Not on viewThis imperial robe, lavishly woven in gold thread, contains imagery intended to signify the wearer’s power and the unity of royalty and divinity. As emblems of the emperor and his family, nine dragons are distributed over the surface of the robe; eight of them are visible and the ninth is hidden when the garment is worn. Since the number nine is associated with both the throne and the dragons, the robe connects the two both visually and numerically. Scattered on the background are stylized lotus blossoms as well as various auspicious motifs and royal signs above ocean waves and mountains.
approx. 1850-1911
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1875-1900
approx. 1875-1900
approx. 1700-1800
Republican Era (1912- ), prob. 1900-1938
approx. 1800-1911
approx. 1800-1911
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1850-1900
1850 -1900