Lot 227. A rare embroidered blue silk gauze child's 'dragon' robe, mangpao, 19th century; 10 in. (25.4 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 10,000 - GBP 15,000. Price realised GBP 40,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

The front and back of the robe are elaborately embroidered with gold couched dragons chasing flaming pearls, surrounded by bats in flight, peony sprays and scrolling multi-coloured clouds above crashing waves, all set against a dark blue ground.

Provenance: With Teresa Coleman Fine Arts Ltd., Hong Kong, October 2013.It is very rare to find formal court robes made for a child, as only sons from high ranking families were occassionally allowed the privilege of attending court.

Note: It is very rare to find formal court robes made for a child, as only sons from high ranking families were occassionally allowed the privilege of attending court.