English: Robe, dragon, man's; plum-red silk, coiled dragon motif, embroidered in silk and gold thread; unusual Manchu hoof cuffs and very narrow cut; appears to have been shortened and narrowed; unlined mainly in blues and pinks and gold thread; plain black sleeves, no braiding; Pekin stitch; braid; embroidered in gold thread and multicoloured silk embroidery; gold and black striped sleeves, no collar. Note- a ch'ao-fu is a formal garment consisting of two parts, an upper hip length riding style coat, and a lower paired overlapping skirt. It was worn only for important sacrificial ceremonies and rituals by members of the Imperial family and high ranking officials. Central slits hem to thigh front and back. some decay of embroidery and fading A ch'i-fu (dragon robe) was worn for all other court occasions and official duties. It is a full length, right front, side fastening garment. See Margery Blackman, "Emperor's Court to Village Festival" Otago Museum catalogue, 1998, p.6. (L.J. July 00)