Blue silk jifu semi-formal dress embroidered with dragons, China, late 19th century Blue-backed, finely embroidered in polychrome and gold thread with nine five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst past-stitch-embroidered lingzhi clouds, bats, flowering baskets and peaches, Buddhist symbols and cranes. Four earth diagrams surrounded by surging waves of precious ba ji xiang objects adorn the bottom of the dress. Below, a band of lishui. The so-called "horse's hoof" cuffs - 马蹄袖 - matixiu, and collar are embroidered with dragons and bats above waves on a black background. The ninth dragon is embroidered on an inner flap. It closes on the right side with five buttons. Height: approx. 138 cm Some discoloration and wear.