The official Chinese court robe, it is a symbol in itself. Nine dragons, ancient symbol of imperial power, are accompanied by the Taoist gourd and basket of peaches, the crane and the flaming pearl. Chinese embroidery is fine, delicate, professional and the most highly esteemed in the world. It circulates in greater quantity around antique shops, auction houses and art markets than any other, partly because it has now been exported for centuries but also because the imperial city of Peking was looted during the revolution of 1911. Its high wooden wardrobes were ransacked and shelf upon shelf of the embroidered clothes of the Manchu rulers were sent to collectors and dealers in the west.
Silk is the essence of Chinese embroidery.
The repertoire of stitches is small. Satin stitch, are worked only on gauze fabrics. The motifs are outlined and space and split stitch are used for details. The embroidery is often done on paper or gauze and then applied to the fabric. These robes are often confused with Japanese kimonos but their cut is distinctive, with a wrapover side-fastening front and slit flared skirt.