1700-1800

Compound Wardrobe

Artist/maker unknown

During the Qing dynasty the depiction of this particular type of dragon—with five claws—was restricted to imperial items. Add in the furniture’s impressive size and the sumptuousness of the gold decoration and it is clear this wardrobe once belonged to a high-ranking Chinese official or nobleman. It would have been placed both in the private areas of residences and in public spaces like a reception hall.

The bottom sections stored silk garments while those at the top, accessed by a ladder, held smaller items such as hats.