We list new items frequently. This antique silk Chinese dragon robe jacket has beautiful embroidery and details, and probably dates to about the 1920s but could easily date to earlier. It is especially hard to date textiles like these. Fine hand embroidery was an art form in China for centuries (before Marco Polo arrived in the 13th century). Chinese export goods were still popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when this jacket/robe was made. Interest faded after the 1920s, so the quality of hand work declined. This piece was expertly made of quality materials, so we can be certain it dates to the 1920s or earlier. This jacket is made of a gorgeous deep blue silk with gold, red, and green embroidery of dragons and swirling motifs. The dragons all feature white eyes with black embroidered pupils looking in various directions. There is a 12 thick band of thick striped lamè embroidery at the hem, and the sleeve and neck are edged in thick/stiff brown and gold embroidery. The closures are decorated gold metal ball buttons with frogs. The embroidery is overall in good condition for its age, but there are some definite issues, especially on the left sleeve (please view photos for close ups of this damage). In this area, whole pieces of the striped embroidery have come unfastened from the garment and the thread is hanging loose. The thread is still there, so this could be repaired/conserved. The sleeves are lined in electric blue brocade silk, but the bulk of the garment is unlined. You can see the back of the intricate embroidery work through the blue silk on the back. The seams are secure and there is no silk shredding or dry rot. There are no water stains, and I have not tried cleaning this piece at all. There are a few yellowing stains (<1/4) throughout the garment, but this is barely noticeable on the dark blue silk. With a little bit of TLC especially regards to the embroidery, this could be an amazing decorative or display piece. It is even wearable if you so choose! Please view photos for close up views of the damage. Thank you for viewing our items! The item "Rare Antique blue silk Chinese dragon robe embroidered gold lamé Asian jacket" is in sale since Friday, June 23, 2017. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Robes & Textiles". The seller is "malena610" and is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Color: Blue
- Featured Refinements: Antique Chinese Silk
- Age: 1900-1940
- Primary Material: Silk & Fabric
- Region of Origin: China
- Type: Kimono, Robe & Textile
- Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
