DRESS in blue silk embroidered with polychrome linen threads, decorated with golden dragons chasing the sacred pearl, among bats, precious objects, stylised "shou" (longevity) characters among clouds, above foaming waves from which the sacred mountain peaks emerge, the lower part of the dress decorated with chevrons and clouds in the shape of "lingzhi" mushrooms, the edges with dragon motifs above waves on a midnight blue background. With small gold buttons in the shape of lotus buttons. (Wear to the lining). China, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912). AN EMBROIDERED BLUE GROUNDED SILK COURT DRESS, CHINA, QING DYNASTY. DIM. 121 X 210 CM (47 5/8 X 82 11/16 IN.)