RARE IMPERIAL OFFICIAL LONGGUA OVER GARMENT WITH DRAGON MEDALLIONS FOR A LADY.

Origin: China.
Dynasty: Qing dynasty.
Date: 2nd half 19th c.
Technique: Blue-black sheer silk gauze (leno weave); embroidered with dyed silk and gold thread. Buttons from gilt bronze.
Description: According to the "Huangchao liqi tushi" (Illustrated Standards of Ritual Objects of the
Dynasty); the robe for a lady of high rank is traditionally decorated with eight dragon
medallions. The four upper dragons in frontal view; the lower ones in profile. In the
medallions the Buddhist treasures and the character for Long Life (shou). At the end of
the sleeves each three more small dragon medallions. The hem with the high diagonal lines
of deep water; separated by a cloud border from the waves in which treasures float.
Measurement: Length 138cm; width 150cm.
Condition A/B. Supplement: Flat suitcase for film roll. Inside ink painting of theater. Both from Nesbitt.


This type of robe was worn by Manchu ladies over a dragon robe (jifu) during official state ceremonies at the imperial court. The distribution of the medallions and their number determines the rank of the garment. Depending on the season; the robes were made of satin; lined with fur or; as here; of silk gauze for the hottest season.

Provenance:
-Collection of "The Great Nesbitt" (Sinclair Neil Nesbitt; 1886-1936). Chinese style magician who performed throughout Europe from 1919-1928. Probably acquired from the estate of the magician "Chung Ling Soo" (William E. Robinson; 1861-1918).
-1936 inherited to his son Cecil Ronald Nesbitt (1914-1996); who lived in Spain since 1986.
-1996 inherited to a befriended family.

Nesbitt Collection.