Couched Silk Daoist Priest's Robe

Description:

Couched Silk Daoist Priest's Robe, China, 19th century, rectangular with opening at the front and at the sides for the arms, embroidered in colored and gold threads with large dragons coiled around flaming pearls, the center of the back embroidered with a tiered tower representing the home of the gods, surrounded by twenty-eight dots symbolizing the lunar mansions, surrounded by couched gold scrolling clouds interspersed with cranes, lingzhi mushrooms, and other auspicious objects incorporating the "Eight Buddhist Treasures," bordered by bands of dragons and a lishui wave border at the bottom, the sleeves with characters and meander, lg. 53 in.

Provenance: Purchased in Beijing at the turn of the century when the current owner's grandmother was stationed at the Princeton University Alumni organized YMCA outpost, as reported in The Princeton Alumni Weekly, Vol. XIV, No. 18, February 11, 1914.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

Tear in silk at neck, many couched threads loose all over, fading and staining to silk all over, re-stitched/repaired patch at the front, wear to top of left arm


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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