A fine Chinese blue 'dragon' robe, Jifu, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, with a bright turquoise original lining, nine five-clawed dragons fly through the heavenly clouds chasing the pearls of wisdom, amongst other symbols of happiness and abundance, embroidered with a rich melody of gold and silver couched threads, original collar and cuffs and gold thread striped extenders, all set about a lishui hem line of water and wave pattern, original tailoring showing the late Qing style of narrowing the robes to a straighter more fitted shape, 129cm collar to hem and 177cm cuff to cuff 清十九世纪晚期 藏青地缎绣龙纹吉服袍