9 GOLD DRAGONS w/ FIVE toes IMPERIAL ROBE Qing Dynasty

9 GOLD DRAGONS w/ FIVE toes IMPERIAL ROBE Qing Dynasty

Start price	50.0 USD
Current price	50.0 USD
Start time	06/20/2008
End time	06/22/2008
Bid count	0
See more about 9 GOLD DRAGONS w/ FIVE toes IMPERIAL ROBE Qing Dynasty

Okay a little history on this fabulous piece. My husband and I purchased it in the mid 70's from an auction on PBS channel 2 in Boston. These used to be held every June to raise money for the station. The women that put it up for auction was from California and had received this as a wedding present in 1920. She was the one who wore it and did the  repair work on it. My husband and I always intended to have it restored but never had the funds to do it. He passed away recently and I have since moved to smaller quarters and would like to see someone own it and hopefully repair the small damaged areas. The general condition is very good the heavy silk satin is still soft. The main color is brown (the lesser yellow) the length is 55". It is silk and it is fully lined in a lighter blue silk fabric. We have done a little research on this and have decided that it had to have been worn by a member of the Imperial family. There are many Dragons embroidered with gold thread that still shines. The main dragon is full-faced 4 legged with 5 toes or claws,and large bulging eyes. Lower down 2 Dragons are in profile with mouths open to show sharp teeth.Dragons are also on the sleeves and the back of the robe is a mirror to the front. The bottom is heavily embroidered to show waves rising to mountains. Four slits in the robe were reserved for the Imperial family. Other symbols represented in vibrant hues are 3 linked clouds,( over the head of Dragon) flying fish, bats, flowers,sun, and more that I can't interpret, like a boot and hat?  These symbols are scattered across the whole robe but Chinese symmetry is maintained. The robe does show wear in some spots and I have tried to show damage and repair. The spots are in several different places, the shoulder, the top of front and back slits, the inside bottom is frayed. Their are also some loose golden threads on the Dragons and cuffs, wear on the crease of the black sleevesand one small hole.  The robe does have a musty odor because it has been packed away for years but it is not overpowering. I think it needs to be aired outside but as I live in an apartment I have just hung it on a door for now. Even with imperfections it is very special. I do know that people believe their are forged Oriental items selling on Ebay. I cannot believe that this is a reproduction, the fabric and design are too beautiful and it does show 100 or more years of age, but I am not an expert. Checking on the internet I found robes in Museums that look identical in style. Please feel free to ask questions, I will try to answer to the best of my ability. I have sold other antique items  on Ebay and  have received positive feedback. JUST NOTICED A ROBE VERY SIMILAR TO MINE CLOSED AT A LIVE AUCTION FOR $2300. WISH YOU COULD SEE MY ROBE I BELIEVE THE MANY COLORS AND DIFFERENT SYMBOLS MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE Hello when I was answering a question for a potential bidder I found the 9th Dragon 3 on front 3 on back 2 on each sleeve and 1 on inside. Also found some more damage/repair on inside flap and some fraying on underseam of right sleeve.  There are 5 buttons with holders intact.