Manchu man’s semiformal court robe, mid 19th century. Woven silk and metal thread tapestry with painted details, length: 54 in, 137.16 cm; width: 82 in, 208.28 cm. Neusteter Textile Collection: Gift of Miss Louise Steele, 1958.13 © Denver Art Museum

Nine five-clawed blue dragons inhabit the clouds. The slanted, multi-colored stripes (lishui) at the bottom of the robe represent standing water above which the ocean surges and waves froth. At the front, back and sides, rocks representing the four directions rise up. Above in the skies are numerous red bats signifying happiness or good fortune. In roundels are attributes of the Eight Daoist Immortals, while the Eight Buddhist Precious Things appear in the waves and on the body of the robe.