An embroidered chesnut-ground 'Nine dragon' robe, Jifu. Qing dynasty. Photo Sotheby's

embroidered with nine dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls amidst scrolling clouds with bats suspending wan symbols and shou character roundels, all above cresting waves and a lishui border, the collar and cuffs embroidered with dragons and bats among clouds; 147cm., 57 7/8 in. Estimation: 4,000 - 6,000 GBP - Lot. Vendu 8,125 GBP

PROVENANCE: Acquired in China circa 1860.
Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. London | 07 nov. 2012 www.sothebys.com