Lot 290. An apricot-ground formal court 'dragon' robe,jifu, mid-19th century.  Estimate GBP 10,000 - GBP 15,000 (USD 12,790 - USD 19,185). © Christie's Images Ltd 2017 

The robe is decorated with nine five-clawed dragons in couched gilt thread chasing flaming pearls amidst dense ruyi clouds interspersed with bats and The Eight Buddhist Emblems,Bajixiang, all above a hem of cresting waves tossed with auspicious objects, and the lishui stripe. The matching dark blue-ground cuffs and collar are worked with further dragons amidst bats, clouds and waves.

Provenance: Acquired in Asia in the 1920s, and then by descent within the family.