A QING DYNASTY GILT APRICOT GROUND SILK WOMEN'S SEMI FORMAL DOMESTIC SURCOAT ROBE, 1644-1912, the short collar trimmed in wide black ground bands of blue and white cherry blossoms on gilt couched thread "cracked ice" fretwork together enclosing a colorful silk picot jacquard and bullion thread lace passementerie trim, five rank badge medallions with mystical moth and peony with a variety of auspicious flower buds appear at the shoulders, chest, and waist, gilt bronze ball buttons close with the side, a wide band of auspicious colorful fowl and peony set among blue leaves enclose the wide flat sleeves, above a base of bubbling and rolling "lishui" celestial firmament waves partially concealing eight lucky symbols among large bobbing peony blooms, at center of the waves rises a mountain. Height: 44 1/2" Width: 55" Provenance: Private Collection, Galveston, Texas