Dragon Robe Item Number: N1.59 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Blue robe with standing collar, slender sleeves, hoof cuffs and a side opening with brass frog closures. The collar has a geometric pattern on a gold ground. The front, back and sleeves have five-toed dragons, pearl, fire, crane and bat motifs as well as Buddhist symbols of good fortune and Taoist symbols of the Eight Immortals on blue ground. The borders around the neck, cuffs and side opening have dragon, peaches and bat motifs on black ground. The sleeves have triple lined stripes in gold, pink, green and blue. There are slits in the centre front and back. The inside lining is blue damask containing woven roundels with a dragon motif.
History Of Use
This formal dress, mang p'ao, was for a high official. Python robes are distinguished by colors (purple, red, yellow, green, blue, black and white) according to rank. Only the emperor was entitled to wear yellow. From the late Qing dynasty.
Item History
- Made in Chengdu, Sichuan, China between 1889 and 1911
- Collected before 1950
- Owned by Alf Day and E. Margaret Day before May 1961
- Received from Alf Day (Seller), E. Margaret Day (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source) during May 1961
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Alf Day and E. Margaret Day
- Received from
- Alf Day (Seller), E. Margaret Day (Seller) and Unknown (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Chengdu, Sichuan, China
When
- Creation Date
- between 1889 and 1911
- Collection Date
- before 1950
- Ownership Date
- before May 1961
- Acquisition Date
- during May 1961
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0051/0006