RARE IMPERIAL OFFICIAL LONGGUA OVER GARMENT WITH DRAGON MEDALLIONS FORA LADY.
Origin: China. Dynasty: Qing dynasty. Date: 2nd half 19th c. Technique: Blue-black sheer silk gauze (leno weave), embroidered with dyed silkAnd gold thread. Buttons from gilt bronze. Description: According to the "Huangchao liqi tushi" (Illustrated Standards of Ritual Objects of the Dynasty), the robe forA lady of high rank is traditionally decorated with eight dragon medallions. The four upper dragons in frontal view, the lower ones in profile. In the medallions the Buddhist treasuresAnd the character for Long Life (shou).At the end of the sleeves each three more small dragon medallions. The hem with the high diagonal lines of deep water, separated byA cloud border from the waves in which treasures float. Measurement: Length 138cm, width 150cm. ConditionA/B. Supplement: Flat suitcase for film roll. Inside ink painting of theater. Both from Nesbitt.
This type of robe was worn by Manchu ladies overA dragon robe (jifu) during official state ceremoniesAt the imperial court. The distribution of the medallionsAnd their number determines the rank of the garment. Depending on the season, the robes were made of satin, lined with fur or,As here, of silk gauze for the hottest season.
Provenance: -Collection of "The Great Nesbitt" (Sinclair Neil Nesbitt, 1886-1936). Chinese style magician who performed throughout Europe from 1919-1928. ProbablyAcquired from the estate of the magician "Chung Ling Soo" (William E. Robinson, 1861-1918). -1936 inherited to his son Cecil Ronald Nesbitt (1914-1996), who lived in Spain since 1986. -1996 inherited toA befriended family.