TC 002 Chinese 18th C. Court Robe Panel Kesi (Cut Silk) With 1935 Receipt

This Chinese 'Kesi' (aka 'Kossu), or 'cut silk' is a special silk tapestry technique which went on to become a respected art form between the 11th and 13th century. It was used here for the back panel of a court official's or priest's robe. Dragons were used as symbols on imperial clothing. This blue-background piece depicts three dragons amid clouds as well as two swords hovering in the air over what appears to be a temple jutting out of a wild seascape.  It is indeed a hard piece to let go to a new home...
 
Notes from our mother claim this unique piece was inherited by her parents from the Burr family of San Francisco. Our appraiser estimated it may be from the 18th Century but noted that it is not in the best condition.
 
And then we found the receipt! Dated Feb 24, 1935, from Teh Chang, 8 Embroidery Street in Peiping [sic], China: 1 Blue Old Kossu cost the Burr sisters $ 10.  The sellers note appears to guarantee the items were over 100 years old. (Images of the receipt available on request.) We trust it was the Burr sisters as there are doodles and notes on the back* which do not match the handwriting of our grandmother Winona, who would have been travelling with them.
 
*Among the notes on the back are references to two books they might have been recommended or were reading at the time - Twilight in the Forbidden City (1934) by Reginald Fleming Johnston, the only foreigner to be allowed inside the inner court of the Qing Dynasty, and The Tinder Box of Asia (1933) by George E. Sokolsky about Manchuria.
 
There is a label on the backside with a possible signature or shop name. The backside shows stitches where  the kesi cloth is attached (not visible in photo).
 
The panel has several defects including stains, holes, a couple of rips, patching, and some 'peeling' as shown in photos but it is still an impressive piece when put on display.  On the back, there is some discoloration (not visible in photo, just noticed when putting piece away.)
 
Material: Silk and cotton possibly with gold leaf wrapped thread on silk
W on top 28" bottom 42" x L 55"
12.1 oz
 
Disclaimer:
 
We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each textile item but your settings may distort colors.
 
We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions but we may have missed some.
 
Several of our textiles may smell a bit musty and/or of mothballs. Most have been in storage for decades. We have not made the effort to wash them ourselves. We encourage you to do so upon receipt if appropriate.
 
If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.