A Midnight Blue Court Robe, Chaofu, 19th century. Photo Christies Image Ltd 2012

Embroidered to the dark blue silk ground with a large five-clawed dragon wrapped aound the shoulders in archaic style, with lingzhi clouds above the waist band, the hem is worked with dragons, flaming pearls and foaming waves, applied similar motifs to the horse shoe cuffs. Estimate£15,000 - £20,000

The Property of a Gentleman of Title

Notes: Compare 'Imperial Silks - Ch'ing Dynasty Silks in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts', Volume I, page 145, for an illustration of a lama's robe which appears to be made from a near-identical silk.

Christie's. Chinese. 9 November 2012. London, South Kensington