CHINA, 19th century. Ceremonial skirt (Chao fu xia chang) in dark blue silk embroidered with polychrome and gold threads with medallions of five-clawed dragons in the clouds chasing the flaming pearl and a band of dragons chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by lingzhi and bats above sacred peaks and lishui. The borders in navy blue silk woven with golden threads of auspicious symbols. (Wear, tears.) Expert : Cabinet PORTIER