Lot 135. A blue-ground kesi `dragon' robe, mangpao, late Qing dynasty. Estimation: USD 2,500 - 3,500. Price realised: 5,000 USD. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

The blue ground is worked in couched gold thread and satin stitch on the front and back with five-clawed dragons confronting flaming pearls amidst shou characters, bats, cranes and Daoist emblems. The terrestrial diagram and lishui stripe at the hem are tossed with the bajixiang (Eight Buddhist Emblems). 52 ½ in. (133.4 cm.) long. 

Provenance: Property from the Lai Family Collection.

Christie's on line. The Art of China.