Physical description Roundel with coloured embroidery on navy blue silk, motifs embroidered: front-facing dragon in gold thread embroidery; ruyi clouds in various colours; auspicious bats; stylised rocks and waves; Buddhist swastika; longevity peaches. Place of Origin China (made) Date late 19th century (made) Artist/maker Unknown Materials and Techniques Silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread Dimensions Diameter: 11 in Object history note Registered File number 1934/3321. Descriptive line Roundel, blue silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread, China, Qing dynasty, late 19th century Materials Silk (textile); Gold thread; Silk thread Techniques Satin weave; Embroidered Subjects depicted Dragons; Cloud scrolls; Swastikas; Peaches; Bats (animals) Categories Textiles; Embroidery Collection East Asia Collection This roundel had probably been previously embroidered onto a surcoat, such as those in navy blue worn by the imperial court during important rituals or ceremonies during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). According to the Huangchao Liqi Tushi (Illustrations of Imperial Ritual Paraphernalia), only the Emperor and his consorts (including the Empress), and the Crown Prince, would have worn roundels bearing front-facing dragons. Although it is certain that this roundel would not have adorned the emperor's surcoat (the gunfu), as it is missing the requisite shou character, and solar and lunar symbols, it is not easy to say if this roundel came from the robe of the Crown Prince or the Consorts.
Physical description Roundel with coloured embroidery on navy blue silk, motifs embroidered: front-facing dragon in gold thread embroidery; ruyi clouds in various colours; auspicious bats; stylised rocks and waves; Buddhist swastika; longevity peaches. Place of Origin China (made) Date late 19th century (made) Artist/maker Unknown Materials and Techniques Silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread Dimensions Diameter: 11 in Object history note Registered File number 1934/3321. Descriptive line Roundel, blue silk satin with embroidery in silk and gold thread, China, Qing dynasty, late 19th century Materials Silk (textile); Gold thread; Silk thread Techniques Satin weave; Embroidered Subjects depicted Dragons; Cloud scrolls; Swastikas; Peaches; Bats (animals) Categories Textiles; Embroidery Collection East Asia Collection This roundel had probably been previously embroidered onto a surcoat, such as those in navy blue worn by the imperial court during important rituals or ceremonies during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). According to the Huangchao Liqi Tushi (Illustrations of Imperial Ritual Paraphernalia), only the Emperor and his consorts (including the Empress), and the Crown Prince, would have worn roundels bearing front-facing dragons. Although it is certain that this roundel would not have adorned the emperor's surcoat (the gunfu), as it is missing the requisite shou character, and solar and lunar symbols, it is not easy to say if this roundel came from the robe of the Crown Prince or the Consorts.