Imperial Robe of rust colored gauze embroidered in needlepoint. Nine 5-clawed dragons in blue , those in profile clutching the Heavenly Jewel. In the ground loose clouds, bats - some in groups of five - and longevity characters in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink, olive green, and rust. Conventional border of slightly wavy slanting lines; tight clouds, and curling waves in which appear groups of bats. Below border on sleeves a strip of plain black gauze lined in blue. Cuffs and collar band of dark blue gauze embroidered with body designs. Edging of gold and black floral brocade.Coat slit back, front and sides. Unlined but faced back with the embroiderd gauze.

Manchu Man's Semiformal Court Robe (jifu), Qianlong period, 1736-1795

Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more

Embroidered silkexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  42.8.45

Not on Viewexpand_more

This robe depicts the celestial landscape, a diagram of the Chinese universe. The motifs depict a scene of dragons flying among mountains, oceans, and clouds. The swirling clouds represent the heavens, and the dragons stand for imperial authority. The motif at the base of the robe is a rock formation, symbolizing the mountains of the earth. The curling waves represent the earth’s oceans. The diagonal stripes that line the hem of the robe are called li-shui (standing water), and often appear beneath the rolling waves.

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Details
Title
Manchu Man's Semiformal Court Robe (jifu)
Role
Artist
Dimension
L.54-5/8 x W.51-1/4 in.
Accession Number
42.8.45
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Imperial Robe of rust colored gauze embroidered in needlepoint. Nine 5-clawed dragons in blue , those in profile clutching the Heavenly Jewel. In the ground loose clouds, bats - some in groups of five - and longevity characters in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink, olive green, and rust. Conventional border of slightly wavy slanting lines; tight clouds, and curling waves in which appear groups of bats. Below border on sleeves a strip of plain black gauze lined in blue. Cuffs and collar band of dark blue gauze embroidered with body designs. Edging of gold and black floral brocade.Coat slit back, front and sides. Unlined but faced back with the embroiderd gauze.

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