An imperial embroidered dragon roundel, buzi, Qing dynasty, early 19th century
Lot 3417. An imperial embroidered dragon roundel, buzi, Qing dynasty, early 19th century; 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 40,000 - HKD 60,000. Price realised HKD 75,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014.
The circular badge is finely embroidered depict a front facing five-clawed dragon worked in couched gold threads embracing a 'flaming pearl', all against a dense ground of multi-coloured clouds interspersed with red bats above jagged mountains emerging from crested waves. The reverse of the roundel is tagged with a yellow label inscribed with a character.
Note: The current roundel was made for a surcoat of an Imperial princess. The yellow label on its underside suggests that it was once housed in the Imperial Palace depositories for court attires.
Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 26 November 2014