Untitled

Unknown

late 19th century · Silk tapestry (kesi) · Asian Art

The golden five-clawed dragons on this robe indicate that it was woven for an empress or imperial consort of lower rank. While it retains the imagery mandated in the mid-eighteenth century court regulations, changes in the rendering of these designs help date this robe to the late nineteenth century. The heads of the dragons appear swollen and disproportionate to the bodies, and their claws have lost their strength. The standard rock and waves pattern at the hem have also changed. The diagonal waves are longer, straighter, and less realistic. These stylistic changes parallel those found on other works of art made at the same time.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Silk tapestry (kesi)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of William Christian Paul, 1929