A Chinese embroidered dragon robe, 19th century. Photo Bonhams.

Of blue gauze, featuring nine couched gilt thread five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls, amongst clouds, bats, flying cranes and further auspicious symbols, above mountains, crashing waves and a lishui hem, with horseshoe cuffs and edging bands in embroidered black gauze and gilt filigree buttons, 141 x 209cm. Estimate £1,500 - 2,000 (€1,800 - 2,400)

Provenance: Acquired in China around the time of the First World War, by a Royal Naval Submarine Officer and thence by descent.

Bonhams. BRITISH & EUROPEAN CERAMICS, GLASS & ASIAN ART, INCLUDING THE TATTON HEWETSON COLLECTION PART II. Oxford. 29 Jan 2014 - www.bonhams.com