Chinese Qing dynasty (19th century) Daoist priest’s robe densely embroidered in a pattern of complex iconographical symbols set against a pale celadon silk background created entirely from satin-stitch embroidery. The style is the traditional rectangular front-opening form which rests on the shoulders and has the lower part of the sides sewn together to form armholes. The center back is embroidered with a flame-bordered circular cartouche containing a pagoda flanked by flying birds. Fifteen disks, embroidered in gold-couched thread and believed to have some connection with the stars and planets, are within the central cartouche, while two rows of seven gold disks are on both sides. Also surrounding the central cartouche are scattered gold cabalistic symbols. Beyond the central motif are five five-clawed dragon roundels featuring both front-facing and side-facing dragons. Five medallions extend across the back shoulder. The center three medallions contain gates while the outer two feature a rabbit and rooster. The background of the back and the front shoulder area is permeated with embroidered bats, gates, and flying birds. The robe edges and collar are finished with a black border measuring 5 ¾” on the sides and 10” on the bottom. It is decorated with gold-couched trigram symbols, flying birds, deer, and five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls. A single metal button is on the front. The lining is green brocade silk. The robe measures 67” from sleeve tip to sleeve tip and 44” in length plus a 4 ¾” collar. The robe is in good overall condition and is remarkably clean. There are loose gold-couched threads primarily along the back bottom border (see enlargement 11). The back of the robe shows some signs of background fading and wear to the embroidery (see enlargement 5). Additional images of these areas of wear are available upon request. There is shredding evident on one back corner in an area with no embroidery (see enlargement 12). This would be relatively easy to restore. The lining is in good condition as well with only minor wear evident at the bottom. The slight wrinkling evident on the front is from long-term storage. It should easily straighten out. This robe is from an Arizona collection. It was purchased in China in the early 20th century by William C. Johnstone, Jr., a noted author of several books on China and Japan, and has remained with his descendants since that time.