China, late 19th/early 20th century Dragon dress, jifu, in blue silk embroidered with multicoloured and metallic threads, with nine dragons chasing the pearl among the clouds, surrounded by the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (bajixiang) as well as bats, ruyi sceptres, sapèques and other Taoist objects, above rocks and waves (lushui), dragon motifs also embroidered on black silk at the neckline and at the end of the (long) sleeves. H. 136 cm; W. 183 cm (span) Wear, tears and loose threads around the neck, shoulders and along the sleeves. Attached is a small, flat, round hat, the outside in black silk, with a red ball at the top.