An imperial blue kesi summer robe, Jifu, Qing dynasty, 1830's. 1/2

The blue kesi is worked with the prescribed nine five-clawed dragons, two shown full-face leaping around a 'flaming pearl' on the front and the back while six others on the front, back and shoulders are shown reaching for the pearl, as is the ninth on the underflap. All dragons are set amidst bright lingzhi-clouds and interspersed with 'precious objects' and bats including a central design of a canopy, above a terrestrial diagram and a lishui stripe separated by further clouds. The decoration is repeated on the border, collar and horsehoof cuffs. Light blue silk lining. Length back 137 cm. Length arm to arm 200 cm. Wear.