A Silk Jacket

A three-quarter length silk jacket for a Han Chinese lady. The blue-black silk costume, with central front opening, embroidered in satin stitch and Peking knots in shades of blue and white silks. The design of scattered flowers: chrysanthemum, lotus narcissus and prunus, together with large bats in flight. The hem with a wave and water border, filled with flower heads, flaming pearls, coral branches, narcissus, lingzhi fungus and bamboo.

The fine sleeve bands of light blue silk, embroidered in Peking knots, enhanced with couched gold thread. The pattern of scholar's vessels on elaborate stands and with flower sprays, scrolls, painting brushes, ruyi sceptres, coral branches and double gourds.

With original blue damask lining patterned with geometric flowers and fretwork.

Provenance: Bought in Beijing by a British diplomatic family in the 1950s