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Rare Imperial dragon robe emerges after a century | Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art | 21 & 22 May 2024

Rare Imperial dragon robe emerges after a century | Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art | 21 & 22 May 2024

Rare Imperial dragon robe emerges after a century | Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art | 21 & 22 May 2024

Taking place on Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 May is our two-day auction of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Amongst the sale we are thrilled to offer a rare Imperial ‘twelve symbol’ blue silk dragon robe, which dates from the early 19th century. It was recently discovered after 100 years of being packed away in a cardboard box.

Browse the auction!

Created especially for the Emperor of China, the Imperial dragon robe truly is an exceptional garment which was only to be worn by the ruling Emperor for two days a year during the festivals at the Temple of Heaven just outside the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The robe has been passed down through the Villiers family, one of England’s most distinguished aristocratic families who have historic links to Royalty dating back to the 17th century - firstly, with George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628), who was a favourite of King James I, then Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland (1640-1709) who was King Charles I’s mistress and had five children by him.

Inline Image - Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
Inline Image - Lot 130: The robe has remained largely untouched packed away for over 100 years, and was only very recently found in a tailor's box.
Lot 130: The robe has remained largely untouched packed away for over 100 years, and was only very recently found in a tailor's box.
Inline Image - (Detail) Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
(Detail) Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
Inline Image - (Detail) Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)
(Detail) Lot 130: Rare Imperial 'twelve symbol' blue silk dragon robe, dating from the early 19th century worn by the Emperor of China | Est. £30,000-£50,000 (+ fees)

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