Man’s Semiformal Dragon Robe China, Qing dynasty, early Qianlong period (1736-95) with later alterations Silk gauze embroidered with silk tent stitch and couched metal thread Neusteter Textile Collection: Gift of James P. Grant and Betty Grant Austin 1977.191 To see robe details (three), roll your cursor over the image and click when the arrow changes shape.

By official decree, nine large dragons—an auspicious number—adorned the robes of the imperial family and high-ranking court members. The number of claws on the dragons' feet also reflected the wearer’s rank. In 1738 it was decreed that no one below the rank of second-degree prince could wear robes showing five-clawed dragons. Moreover, if anyone of lesser rank had been given such a garment, an embroidered claw had to be removed from each foot—as has been done on this robe.


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