Dragon robe, informal robe & silk velvet vest, Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty & 19th century

A yellow ground silk brocade dragon robe. Qianlong Period. photo Bonhams

The nine dragons on the robe woven with gilt-wrapped threads while the remaining auspicious emblems, clouds and lishui border are defined in bright colors against the dark mustard yellow ground, the neck bands and cuffs woven en suite on a black ground. 53 1/4in (135.5cm) long - Estimate: $40,000 - 60,000. Unsold

A blue silk ground embroidered dragon robe. Late Qing Dynasty. photo Bonhams

The nine dragons and shou medallions on the robe worked with gilt wrapped threads in the couching technique while the surrounding clouds, auspicious emblems and the tall lishui border display satin stitches in brightly colored threads, the black ground collar bands and cuffs worked en suite, the black sleeves now folded inward and temporarily tacked with black thread; 57 3/4in (146.5cm) long - Estimate: $12,000 - 15,000 . Unsold

A Manchu noblewoman's embroidered silk gauze summer informal robe. 19th Century. photo Bonhams

The faded red silk gauze ground intricately worked in the counted stitch technique with seasonal flower roundels above a wide lishui border, the black silk gauze ground neck bands, shoulder bores and large cuffs embroidered en suite; with later purple silk lining, now mounted on a pale blue cloth-covered board and frame; 54 3/4in (139cm) length of robe. Sold for $4,636

Two embroidered silk woman's informal coats. Late Qing/Republic Period. photo Bonhams

The shorter coat of dark fuchsia brocade embroidered in brilliantly hued threads with roundels of phoenix, cranes and other auspicious birds surrounded by foliage, the dark ivory border bands and sleeve bands also intricately finished with some details couched in gilt-wrapped threads; the longer coat of coffee colored satin embroidered with crane roundels, the embroidered border bands and sleeve bands of ivory satin; 37 and 45in (94 and 114.5cm) long - Sold for $4,270

A purple cut silk velvet vest. 19th Century. photo Bonhams

Constructed with a right side closure and a low collar, the principal design of butterflies surrounded by border bands containing flowers of the four seasons; blue satin brocade lining; 31 1/4in (79.5cm) long - Estimate: $2,000 - 3,000. Unsold.

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 13 Dec 2010. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco www.bonhams.com