Dragon Robes home page Formal Court Robe (chao-fu)

China Formal Court Robe (chao-fu) Embroidery on silk, ca. 1875-1900 Qing dynasty 51" H Gift of Mrs. John Sheafe Douglas 1954: 24 Dragon chasing pearl from hem of robe, back

Rising above stylized waves and clouds, this dragon is accompanied by bats and surrounded by several of the Eight Buddhist symbols of good fortune including the endless knot, a symbol of longevity (in waves near the front of the dragon) and the sacred vase, which holds the water of life. Note this dragon has five claws, rather than four, but is still referred to as a mang because this particular robe was not for imperial use.

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