Late Qing Dynasty The silk robe embellished with brass studs throughout and detailed with gold embroidery, the suit comprising a number of detachable matching panels including the main front-opening long-sleeved jacket designed with a large dragon roundel, trimmed with velvet, with detachable epaulettes on the shoulders with metal fittings with further dragons, the matching apron divided into two panels opening at the centre with a further shaped apron panel stitched with a mythical-beast head, with cap and helmet decorated with writhing dragons. The jacket, 212cm (83 1/2in) wide, the apron 102.5cm (40 2/8in) long. (7).
晚清 鎖甲紋緞團龍紋綴銅釘甲胄
Ceremonial suits of armour, such as the present lot, were an essential component of the Imperial wardrobe during the Qing dynasty. Throughout the year, a variety of ceremonies were held at the Imperial Palace, drawing hundreds of people to the vast courtyards to participate in official rituals.
Historical evidence indicates that early Manchu military uniforms were virtually identical to their riding attire, with the addition of chainmail coats. However, dress or parade armour did not emerge until after the Manchu conquest. The ceremonial armour worn by guards at the Forbidden City and high-ranking members of Qing society was modelled on Ming dynasty prototypes. These elaborate suits featured metal plates covered with sumptuous silks and adorned with gilt brass fittings, reflecting both martial authority and refined opulence. A related suit of silk armour, 19th century, similarly embroidered with dragon medallions, in the Minneapolis Institute of Art is illustrated by R.D.Jacobsen, Imperial Silks, vol.1, Minneapolis, 2000, p.342, fig.56b. See also a related suit of ceremonial armour, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in China: The Three Emperors 1662-1795, London, 2005, p.157.
Compare with a related suit of ceremonial armour with helmet and quiver, late Qing dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 12 May 2022, lot 91.
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