† †AN EARLY CHINESE SILK ROBE TANG DYNASTY Intricately woven with roundels of studded beads into which two confronting dragons are depicted, interspersed with stylised scrolling quatrefoils, the loose flowing robe with slits to the sides, soft corners and a curved collar and lined with a pale, green silk with belt ties, 150cm. Together with a copy of a carbon 14 test result from Rafter GNS Science, laboratory code, NZA25213, sample no.29212/2, confirming the dating of this item. For similar textiles, see Zhao Feng, Treasure in Silk, p.140, no.04.06. In this publication it is noted that a similar textile has been found in Turfan with a written inscription stating that it was produced in 711 CE. The Shōsō-in Collection in Japan has similar silks.