Finely worked in satin stitch with multi-coloured butterflies and cranes flitting amidst the Eight Daoist Emblems and a profusion of blossoming peonies, chrysanthemums, orchids, narcissus, prunus, magnolias, lotus and ruyi, all within further butterflies on a cream border and flowers embroidered in three-blue silk threads on a black ground, the same patterns picked out in vibrant shades of pink, blue, red and yellow on the cream cuffs. 141cm (55 1/2in) long

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

Notes: Several studies suggest that the soft-green silk colour of the robe was reserved for a princess, imperial daughter-in-law or consorts. Replete with auspicious meaning, the decoration on the robe represents wishes for 'long life' and may have thus been worn by a noblewoman for her birthday celebrations. As a homophone with 'septuagenarian', butterflies occur in conjunction with cranes, vehicle of the Immortals, the attributes of the much-celebrated group of the Eight Immortals, the long-lasting lingzhi fungus, prunus and chrysanthemums, all highly symbolic of longevity. Together with lotus, bamboo and orchid, chrysanthemums also symbolise the 'Four Gentlemen of flowers' while lotus symbolises purity.

For reference, see L.Wrigglesworth, Imperial Wardrobe, London, 1990. Compare with a similar robe in the Museum of Art, Philadelphia, no.1971-61.1.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET