Manchu Imperial Consort’s Semiformal Court Robe with Design of Nine Five-Clawed Dragons Chasing Pearls and Five Symbols of Imperial Authority

This robe is tapestry-woven with nine five-clawed dragons chasing the flaming pearl associated with spiritual energy, knowledge, good luck, and authority. It features five of the 12 symbols of imperial authority: the sun represented by the three-legged crow (wearer’s left shoulder), the moon represented by a rabbit pounding the elixir of immortality (right shoulder), an axe-head (wearer’s left chest), a bow-shaped symbol known as fu (right chest), and the Ursa Major constellation in two groups on the back. These motifs indicate that the robe was made for an imperial consort.

The robe also includes the Eight Buddhist Emblems (conch, endless knot, pair of fish, lotus, parasol, vase, Dharma wheel, and victory banner), bats, roundels with the character for longevity (shou), and multicolored clouds. The wide hem shows a mass of foaming waves interspersed with coral and other auspicious symbols.