Originally used to represent the imperial family, dragon iconography permeated popular fashion during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) prompting a crackdown and restriction on improper usage. It was firmly codified that dragons always had 5-claws and their image could only be worn by the emperor and imperial family. Highly honored officials could be gifted by the emperor the right to wear 4-clawed images of a now inferior "dragon-like creature" called a mang, and instead of an imperial dragon robe their garment was called a mangfu. The wearing of dragon robes and mangfu became strictly regulated and controlled by the court. This kesi (cut silk panel) depicts a mang from one such garment, likely from mid-19th-century Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

The panel itself is roughly 9 3/4 inches square and the frame is 11x11. This panel came from vintage handmade clothing and has age typical wear and discoloration.


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