Manchu Female Semiformal Twelve-Symbol Court Robe

Imperial 12-symbol robe of embroidered orange twilled silk. Nine 5-clawed dragons in gold. Scattered over ground in addition to 12 ancient symbols, are loose cloud forms, bats, long-life characters, and Taoist symbols in shades of blue, green, red, pink, yellow, orange, violet, strong purple, and some magenta. Note form of water-weed symbol in this robe enclosed in a circle. Conventional border of slightly wavy slanting stripes; light clouds; rolling waves and spray in which appear stubby branches of coral and symbols of the Eight Precious things. Below the border on sleeve a strip of the orange twilled silk. Cuffs and collar band of black silk embroidered with dragons, bats, etc. Edging of blue and gold brocade. Robe slit at sides and lines with thin, diapered orange silk. Embroidery done chiefly in satin stitch. Couched and outline stitch also used. Note turquoise tone in blues of body clouds.