CHINA - Kuījiǎ, officer's or banner bearer's armour in yellow linen with blue border, the colour of one of the eight banners, shared by the imperial family. Decorations of dragons with four claws chasing the flaming pearl, embroidered with polychrome threads. The armour consists of seven pieces: a long brigandine, an arms skirt, two shoulder pads, two armpit pieces and an abdomen piece. The cream linen lining is stamped in ink with several maker's marks, 徐 Xú, 李 Lǐ, and an illegible circular seal. On the back, it is embroidered 喜 xǐ, a symbol of happiness. China, Qing Dynasty, reign of Qianlong (1735-1793) or later, late 18th or 19th century. Fairly good condition. Oxidized steel plates, pulled wires, accidents and stains. CNES expert: Sylvain Lamotte