19th century The robe worked in satin stitch in shades of blue, green, red and pale violet and couched gold threads on the front and back panels, with nine five-clawed dragons pursuing 'flaming pearls' amidst clusters of clouds interspersed with bats, auspicious motifs and the Twelve Symbols of Imperial authority, all reserved on a rich Imperial yellow ground above the terrestrial diagram with lishui stripe at the hem, with dark blue-ground cuffs, collar and sleeve bands decorated with further dragons and clouds. 149cm (58 5/8in) long.