English: Dragon robe, ch'i fu, silk, silk embroidery; blue foreground with good luck symbols; Manchu hoof cuffs. Emperors semi-formal robe, China Emperors semi-formal robe not known, China, (Qing dynasty (1644-1911)) material(s)-process silk and gold thread on embroidery weave length of back 1375 x width 2250 mm collection of Auckland War Memorial Museum, T89 This Emperors semi-formal robe formed part of the robes worn by the emperor and officials in the Qing dynasty court. It is a robe of the style used on less formal occasions of such as festivals, presiding over imperial examinations or hosting banquets. A full-length, side-fastening, silk-embroidered tight-fitting robe, it has tapering sleeves ending in the shape of horses’ hooves. In the more usual blue, it is decorated with emblems of imperial authority. Symbols of good fortune are arranged according to Chinese cosmological principles. It is also called a ‘dragon robe’ as they were typically adorned with twelve dragons. The robe was one of a series of oriental garments purchased in London through Wingfield Digby, curator Victoria and Albert Museum, London for the Auckland Museum at the time of the formation of the applied arts department. Emperors semi-formal robe, China, (Qing dynasty (1644-1911)) Note- a ch'ao-fu is a formal garment consisting of two parts, an upper hip length riding style coat, and a lower paired overlapping skirt. It was worn only for important sacrificial ceremonies and rituals by members of the Imperial family and high ranking officials. A ch'i-fu (dragon robe) was worn for all other court occasions and official duties. It is a full length, right front, side fastening garment. See Margery Blackman, "Emperor's Court to Village Festival" Otago Museum catalogue, 1998, p.6. (L.J. July 00)