Dragon Vest

Empress'long sleeveless coat of green satin brocaded in shades of blue, green, pink, aubergine, yellow, brown, and gold. On each side of opening in front, two rampant dragons, one above the other, the upper one clutching the Heavenly Jewel; in back, one sitting and two rampant dragons, all five-clawed. In the field, loose cloud forms. Border of curling, over-lapping waves. Front, bottom, and sides (open except for short join under arms) trimmed with band of black velvet studded with brasss studs and bordered with narrow strips of green and gold and red and gold brocade. At bottom a crocheted band of alternating aubergine, ivory, red, green, pink, and blue, finished with silk tassels of corresponding colors and backed with a strip of gold paper, hangs over a band of flame colored satin. This robe quite worn, with part of bottom firnge missing and black velvet trim band worn down to warp threads. Lining of pink satin, interlining of cotton batten. Two seals printed in back of coat. C.F. 42.8.7.