A Chinese portrait of a grand Chinese lady, late 19th century, showing the wearer adorning the Feng guan or Phoenix crown, also wearing the Mang ao, a tailored wedding robe embroidered with 10 dragons, the image 24.5cm x 20.5cm, silk borderThe Feng guan was referenced by the author De Groot in his book, The religious system of China, where he notes these head dresses were know as Feng tian gao ming, translated as 'I have received an official appointment from Heaven', form the Imperial court. Wedding costumes were also red as a symbol of joy. The watercolour is edged with damask silk used to border album leaves.This watercolour is illustrated, Imperial Wardrobe, page 187, Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth, Ten Speed Press edition, 2000.19世纪晚期 彩绘诰命夫人图品相报告: in good condition with bright coloursminor marks to surface but overall in very presentable condition