AN IMPERIAL NAVY-GROUND EMBROIDERED DRAGON SURCOAT QING DYNASTY, 18TH/ 19TH CENTURY

finely woven with four roundels enclosing a gold frontal dragon amid wan symbols, bats and ruyi clouds above a bed of cresting waves, the front and back roundels woven with a hare within a moon and a bird within the sun above the dragon, all reserved on a navy blue silk ground

The surcoat is cut and unsewn at the sides and the bottom, the armpit area of each side is cut with further diagonals (about 13 times) measuring 2cm each. The collar is also cut, leaving loose threads and a V-shaped opening at the back neckline measuring 3cm down. The navy-blue silk ground has very minor areas of fraying but the woven design is intact and very much well-preserved.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."