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Auctioneers and valuers since 1759, with salerooms at Donnington Priory, Newbury and Pall Mall, London.

10 Fascinating Facts from the Dynasties of Fashion

10 Fascinating Facts from the Dynasties of Fashion

10 Fascinating Facts from the Dynasties of Fashion

Much like Lot 130 in our upcoming Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art auction on Tuesday 21 May, every Chinese robe – across dynastic eras and traditions – has a story to tell.

Each robe holds distinctive clues as to the life and status of the person it once adorned through the colours, symbols, style features chosen – even the type of stitch can reveal insight into the courtly life of its former owner.  To ensure your robe collection is always a cut above the rest, here is our quick guide to the most fascinating facts and clues that can be gleaned from these stunning fashion statements and top tips to kick start your collection.

Inline Image - Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
Inline Image - Detail: Imperial Consorts sleeve 
Lot 452 Imperial robe for sale at Dreweatts on 23 May 2019 | Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London | Sold for £50,000
Detail: Imperial Consorts sleeve Lot 452 Imperial robe for sale at Dreweatts on 23 May 2019 | Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London | Sold for £50,000
Inline Image - Portrait of the Emperor Qianlong, China 1736 by Giuseppe Castiglione | Courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund
Portrait of the Emperor Qianlong, China 1736 by Giuseppe Castiglione | Courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund
Inline Image - A fine Chinese blue-ground embroidered dragon robe, 'Jifu', Qing Dynasty, early to mid 19th century, the robe originally worn by a Mandarin of the Imperial court, sold for £16,120 at Dreweatts on 14 November 2017
A fine Chinese blue-ground embroidered dragon robe, 'Jifu', Qing Dynasty, early to mid 19th century, the robe originally worn by a Mandarin of the Imperial court, sold for £16,120 at Dreweatts on 14 November 2017
Inline Image - A rare formal court robe of charcoal grey silk gauze, chao'fu, Qing Dynasty, mid-19th century, sold for £7,095 at Dreweatts on 14 November 2017
A rare formal court robe of charcoal grey silk gauze, chao'fu, Qing Dynasty, mid-19th century, sold for £7,095 at Dreweatts on 14 November 2017
Inline Image - Detail of a 19th century oil painting of a female courtier wearing informal dress | Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
Detail of a 19th century oil painting of a female courtier wearing informal dress | Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
Inline Image - 19th century lady's sleeve decoration, with a large coral coloured peony embroidered in the 'Forbidden' knot | Photograph Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
19th century lady's sleeve decoration, with a large coral coloured peony embroidered in the 'Forbidden' knot | Photograph Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
Inline Image - A small Chinese silk jacket, re-tailored from a 19th century imperial workshop embroidery, and a surcoat robe that has been completely re-shaped and adapted into a modern jacket. Sold at Dreweatts on 16 May 2017 for £5,208
A small Chinese silk jacket, re-tailored from a 19th century imperial workshop embroidery, and a surcoat robe that has been completely re-shaped and adapted into a modern jacket. Sold at Dreweatts on 16 May 2017 for £5,208
Inline Image - 19th century blue dragon robe wrapped with acid free tissue | Photograph Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
19th century blue dragon robe wrapped with acid free tissue | Photograph Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London
Inline Image -
Imperial Consorts sleeve Lot 452 Imperial robe for sale at Dreweatts on 23 May 2019 | Courtesy of Linda Wrigglesworth Private Collection, London | Sold for £50,000

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