
Subject and Symbolism
The symbols depicted on a textile can tell you quite specifically what the function was and who would have owned it. Chimes, twin fish, and double happiness characters are symbols for blessings in marriage, designating a marriage robe. At the same time, Imperial dragons were strictly only used on Imperial textiles until the later parts of the Qing dynasty.
Manchu Wedding Robe, China, 19th century. Sold for $9,225 in September 2019.