Court costume China. Late 19th century or early 20th century.

Woven costume with long sleeves and horseshoe cuffs. Rich woven polychrome decoration with metal thread against a brownish-red ground. A total of nine dragons are depicted here: four dragons each on the front and back pieces, and one behind the front piece. The dragons are depicted in search of the burning pearl among ruyi-shaped clouds, tongues of fire and symbols of good luck and cranes. The lower part shows the undulating surface of the sea with various symbols. In the center is the sacred Kunlun Mountain. At the bottom are polychrome lishui ("standing water") symbolizing the deep sea. Horseshoe-shaped cuffs and a neck opening with woven ribbons in dark blue and multi-colored decoration. Slit in the front and back in the center. The costume closes on the side with five flower-shaped, cast metal buttons. Length (collar to bottom) approx. 136 cm Length (sleeve to sleeve) approx. 220 cm PROVENANCE The collection of Sigurd Eliassen (1884-1960). Eliassen worked, among other things, on river projects and infrastructure development in China as an engineer after studying in Michigan, USA. Later, in 1955, he wrote the book "Gamle Drage Wangs Elv: en norsk ingeniørs oplevder i China" in which he describes his years in China. Among other things, he writes about how in 1933, as chief engineer for the Xilan road project between Xi'an and Lanzhou, he was captured by the Red Army near Xi'an and later managed to escape. Eliassen died in Oslo in 1960. Later inherited in the family. Age-related wear and tear. Some wear to fabric on sleeves and cuffs. Some torn seams, including under both sleeves and at the bottom of one side. Some stains on inner fabric and lining on sleeves. Some sun-bleached. Damage to blue decorative band on front at side fastening. Inspection recommended.