Manchu Man's Semiformal Court Robe (chi-fu)

Imperial robe of gold k'ossu with nine five-clawed dragons in blue. In the ground, loosely drawn clouds, the eight Taoist emblems, the bat, flowering branches with peach and couble peach, peonies and narcissus in shades of blue, red, rose, green, peach, yellow, mauve, and brown. Border with narrow band of slanting wavy stripes below tossing wave. Note that the sacred mountain, as well as certain other parts of border, has been painted. Same border treatment at elbows, where sleeves continue with a section of black satin and are finished with an inferior quality of dark blue k'ossu with dragons, clouds, bats, etc. Edging of black and gold brocade; same k'ossu collar and band. Coat slit back and front; lined with thin, gold colored damask. K'ossu broken at shoulders and on collar.