A kesi silk blue-ground 'nine-dragon' robe, 19th century. Photo courtesy Bonhams.

The silk finely woven in gold-wrapped thread with nine five-clawed dragons each in pursuit of a flaming pearl, the front and back of the robe also with a tiered basket with tasselled fringe issuing two blossoming peonies, the dragons further surrounded by Daoist Symbols including the double-gourd, fan, flute and peaches, each accompanied by blossoming peony and lotus, all amidst scattered cloud scrolls and bats, the hem with rocks, coral and tasselled objects jutting from foaming water, the collar and cuffs also with dragons, yellow silk lining. 137cm (54in) high. Sold for £11,875 (€14,243)

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART. London, New Bond Street. 7 Nov 2013 - www.bonhams.com