Chinese silk embroidered robe fragment on blue silk depicting a five-clawed golden dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The dragon is surrounded by soaring bats and swirling clouds in the five imperial colors. Below the dragon are rolling waves from which a tri-peaked landmass rises. In many dynasties, a dragon with five claws was a symbol of the emperor. In the Qing dynasty, the dragon was colored yellow or gold, depicted flying amongst clouds above a rolling waves. The blue coloration suggests that this may have been a robe for a minor prince or nobleman as this was the Qing dynasty’s official color. This is an exceptionally well-done embroidery with lustrous golden silk and details. Literature: Many similar examples can be seen in Linda Wrigglesworth & Gary Dickinson, “Imperial Wardrobe,” (Berkely, California: Ten Speed Press, 2000), pg. 76-96.

Sight – diameter: 19 1/2 in.
Framed – height: 26 in x width: 24 in.