Top Coat, imperial (?). of very bark blue silk with eight kesi medallions enclosing five-clawed dragons, clutching the Heavenly Jewel, in gold. Medallions of conventional universe design, with earth, sea and heaven symbols, loose clouds, bats, long-life characters and Buddhist emblems in shades of blue, green, red, pink, soft violet, olive-green, and yellow. Conventional border of slightly wavy slanting stripes; tight cloud groups; rolling waves in which appear swastikas, coral and symbols of the Eight Precious Things. Deep, wide cuffs in kesi of body design. Edging of black and gold brocade.Coat slit at sides, open all the way up front, and lined with thin orange silk.

Manchu Nobleman's Semiformal Insignia Surcoat (Gunfu), 1736-1795

Unknown artist, expand_more

Silk tapestry (kesi)expand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  42.8.29

Not on Viewexpand_more

Members of the nobility wore insignia surcoats over dragon robes during formal court ceremonies. These surcoats were dark, full-length gowns decorated with dragon roundels in accordance with the rank of the owner. Because all four of the upper roundels in this robe have front facing, five-claw dragons with shou roundels above their heads, the coat undoubtedly belonged to an emperor.

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Details
Title
Manchu Nobleman's Semiformal Insignia Surcoat (Gunfu)
Role
Artist
Dimension
L.52-3/4 in.
Accession Number
42.8.29
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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Top Coat, imperial (?). of very bark blue silk with eight kesi medallions enclosing five-clawed dragons, clutching the Heavenly Jewel, in gold. Medallions of conventional universe design, with earth, sea and heaven symbols, loose clouds, bats, long-life characters and Buddhist emblems in shades of blue, green, red, pink, soft violet, olive-green, and yellow. Conventional border of slightly wavy slanting stripes; tight cloud groups; rolling waves in which appear swastikas, coral and symbols of the Eight Precious Things. Deep, wide cuffs in kesi of body design. Edging of black and gold brocade.Coat slit at sides, open all the way up front, and lined with thin orange silk.