Lot 326 , A Chinese noblewomans embroidered silk midnight blue surcoat (longgua), late 19th century, 138cm long, minor alterations to sleeves an

A Chinese noblewoman's embroidered silk midnight blue surcoat (longgua), late 19th century, finely embroidered in colours and gilt-wrapped threads with eight roundels of five-clawed dragons grasping a precious pearl surrounded by clouds, bats and ribboned auspicious emblems, all above peonies, rockwork, peach trees and a wide lishui border repeated on the edges of the sleeves below three tiny dragon roundels embroidered en suite, 138cm long, minor alterations to sleeves and hem
Estimate £400-600

compare a similar black ground surcoat sold by Bonhams, San Francisco, 10 December 2012, Lot 5005 .

The four upper loops which hold the buttons in place near the collar are heavily worn and two of them are completely broken, there are some unpicked threads to all of the dragon roundels on the whole of the robe, please see images, there is some slight wear and fading along the very edges of the opening for the robe, on the right sleeve there are a couple of tears to the dragon roundel in the centre and a the bottom, the sleeves look as though they have been shortened as underneath the lining you can see excess material where it has been joined on on both sides, the brocade band at the end of the sleeves may well be later, the pale green lining to the robe has some restitching and tears in places and general staining, there is some wear and restitching to the join of the robe down the centre of the back and it has opened up slightly in places, there are a few occasional stains, marks on the back near the collar and occasional minor marks and stains in patches all over, again when you look inside the lining it appears that the hem has been folded over and shortened slightly, otherwise in reasonable condition.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. 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. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £8,500