Lot 489. A beige silk 'chrysanthemum' lady's festive robe, 19th century. Estimate £2,500 - 3,500 (€3,200 - 4,400). Photo Bonhams.

The beige silk finely and delicately embroidered in three-blue, beige and pink silk threads with roundels of meandering chrysanthemum interlocking with constellation-clouds, all above a band of tumultuous and foaming waves interspersed with wan symbols, cash, flaming pearls and other auspicious motifs, the hems with an embroidered chrysanthemum border and a woven 'wan' band. 135cm (53 1/8in) long

Property from Mr. and Mrs. C. Lefebvre Collection of Chinese Robes

Notes: The current robe would have been worn during the so-called 'Double Nine' festival, also known as the 'chrysanthemum' festival because of the homophony between the two words. This is a festival that dates back to at least the East Han period. According to the I Ching, nine is a yang number; therefore, the ninth day of the ninth month is a date too rich in yang and is potentially dangerous. To ward off the danger, it is customary to carry out rituals such as climbing a high mountain or drinking chrysanthemum liquor.

Another example of a festive robe embroidered with chrysanthemums is illustrated by Ming Wilson, Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City, London: 2010, fig. 14.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23541: ASIAN ART, 10:30 BST - LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE