Manchu Man's Semiformal Court Robe

The majority of early eighteenth century dragon robes that have survived are made of relatively heavy silk brocade. The end of the century, however, the lighter tapestry weave called k'o-ssu and embroidered satin had become more popular. The official dress codes set forth in the Huang ch'ao li-ch' i tu shih states that the tawny yellow color of this robe was reserved for the emperor's sons, excepting the crown prince who was permitted to wear yellow like his father.