ChineseQing Dynasty Imperial Man's Chaofu Pleated Skirt in blue/green gauze embroidered in colors and gold with bands of 5-claw Dragons chasing flaming pearls and forward facing Dragon roundels; together with an additional Dragon now appliqued on black wool and probably removed from the same robe. Good condition with very light age related wear and a few loose but present threads. Height 36 inches (91.5 cm.). PROVENENCE: Brought back from early 20 century China by the missionary couple working in Guangdong Province, Clarence Lucius Foster (1878-1955) and Ruth Bailhache Smith Foster (1886-1972), and gifted within the immediate family. NOTE: A Man's Imperial Chinese chaofu (chaopao) pleated skirt is worn only at the most important state functions, such as enthronements, Grand Audiences, Imperial weddings, birthdays, important ritual sacrifices or New Year celebrations. The construction of chaofao consists of two sections: a short side-fastening jacket and this two-part pleated skirt overlapping at the sides. A complete gauze chaofu in silk described as "navy" dated to 1870-80 is in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, number 1974.408. NOTE: Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Eddie's Auction shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging.