A Chinese Gold work Dragon robe, Longpao - Jifu, Qing Dynasty, circa 1860, the 'nine dragon pattern' in a heavenly setting surrounded by clouds and auspicious symbols of faith and power, the hem of embroidered with a diagonal striped lishui border, a turbulent froth of waves surrounds four pinnacles of rocks, the ninth dragon set of the inside flap, 140cm neck to hem and 130cm cuff to cuff. Provenance: Inherited by the present owner from a family friend, whose husband was a wardrobe master for many films during the 1950s up until 1967. He knew many of the 'well known' stars of the day. It is not known if it might have been a gift to him, used as a costume in a film, or if it was a gift to his wife from one of her students; as she became the principal of a private college in Mayfair London, with overseas students from prosperous families. Dragon robes embroidered with gold and silver threads were used only for special ceremonies. The gold threads would reflect the candles or the sun at dawn, making the wearer appear even more ethereal. They were costly to make as the real silver and gold leaf was used. Usually, only the high ranks and wealthy mandarins could afford such a garment. When a robe was put on the person took on an immortal status, being the axis on which this heavenly world turned. 约清1860年 金线绣九龙吉服袍 拍品来源：英国私人收藏，现藏家朋友相赠，其为伦敦梅菲尔区著名私校的校长，其丈夫为上世纪五十至七十年代著名高定服装师