Two antiques Chinese garments made for a noblewoman and a high ranking child come to the podium at Gianguan Auctions on Wednesday, December 12.

Chinese robes have long been held in esteem as the some of the finest textile art in the world. Generally of silk, which was first woven in China more than 6,000 years ago, the elaborately decorated robes often give insights into their wearer’s status.

A fine example of this is the xiapei featured in Gianguan’s upcoming sale. The loose waistcoat features a Second Civil Rank Pheasant badge on front and back, denoting the wife of a man of the same rank. As the golden pheasant soars on white wings towards a bright red sun it is surrounded by an elaborate tableau of auspicious symbols–flowers and clouds above roiling waves.

Additionally, the back of the waistcoat displays the face of a dragon. On the front are two crouching five-clawed dragons. The symbolic decoration is anchored by chevrons of blues, gold and red. It is bordered in golden silk and finished in red and white fringe attached by a band of crochet.

The sleeveless robe is cut with inverted Vs at waist. Overstitched on gauze with silk thread, the xiapei presents as predominately blue with gold.  It is Lot 171, framed so that both the front and back are visible. Overall length: 39 1/4” (99.7 cm) X 23 1/4” (59 cm), estimated at upwards $1,500.

Also of the Qing Dynasty is a child’s silk robe. Of red silk, it has a wide blue border at collar and sleeve that overstitched in a floral pattern. The robe has raglan sleeves and ties under the arm on the left side.

Noble children’s garments rarely come to auction. This one is in excellent condition with consistent coloration. It is Lot 172, framed. Overall length: 22 1/2” (54.6 cm) X 32 1/4” (81.9 cm). Bidding begins at $800.

Collectors interested in pursuing knowledge about Chinese royal garments of the Qing Dynasty will want to view “Empresses of China’s Forbidden City,” currently running at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA.

For details on the royal Chinese garments and other items  Gianguan Auctions December 12 sale, please visit the catalog at www.gianguanauctions.com.

The auction will be held live on Wednesday, December 12 at 6 pm EDT at the gallery and online at liveauctioneers.com and invaluable.com. Gallery previews begin Wednesday, December 5 and run through Wednesday, December 12 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.).