15th May, 2026 10:00
Asian and Islamic Art
188
A Chinese embroidered dragon robe
early 20th century,
decorated with eight four-clawed dragons in purple and gold thread, chasing flaming pearls amongst clouds, peony, Eight Buddhist Emblems and other precious objects, above spuming waves centred by the terrestrial diagram and lishui stripe at the hem, with brown silk bordering the neckline, and
a tunic and trousers set,
altered from the gold-striped sleeve extensions, ending in matching black horse-hoof cuffs, with a similarly patterned collar band, edged with brocade borders
(3)
robe 146cm across the arms, 130cm long
Provenance:Mr and Mrs Francis Anthony Brinsley Valentine.
Francis ‘Jimmy’ Valentine was descended through his mother, Lady Freda Valentine (née Butler), daughter of Henry Cavendish Butler, 8th Earl of Lanesborough (1868–1950. The Butler family held the Earldom of Lanesborough in the Peerage of Ireland from 1756 until the extinction of the title in 1998, and the earldom was created for Humphrey Butler, formerly 2nd Viscount Lanesborough, whose family had established political and landed interests in Ireland during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The early Earls of Lanesborough were active figures in Irish Georgian public life, serving as Members of Parliament, High Sheriffs and, in the case of Humphrey Butler, 1st Earl, presiding over the Irish House of Lords during the illness of the Lord Chancellor. Both the first and second earls were also closely involved in the early organisation of Irish Freemasonry, holding senior offices within the Grand Lodge of Ireland, while Humphrey Butler was additionally engaged in reforming bodies such as the Dublin Society and the Linen Board for Connaught, situating the family within the political and economic administration of Enlightenment-era Ireland.
From the early 19th century, the principal English seat of the Lanesborough family was Swithland Hall, Leicestershire, a neoclassical house constructed for George John Danvers Butler, 5th Earl of Lanesborough. Swithland Hall remained in family ownership into the mid-20th century. Furnishings and works of art from the Lanesborough collections were dispersed towards the middle-end of the 20th century, including through Christie’s sales in the 1970s, notably ‘The Remaining Contents of Swithland Hall’, 16-17 October 1978.
二十世纪初 蓝地盘金绣八吉祥龙纹吉服袍
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Sold for £2,400
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Auction: Asian and Islamic Art, 15th May, 2026
We are excited to present the full catalogue for our next Asian and Islamic Art sale, which takes place on Friday 15 May at 10am.
Discover a carefully curated selection of exceptional works, including fine ceramics, intricate textiles, calligraphy, metalwork, and decorative pieces spanning centuries of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. From finely executed Chinese and Japanese porcelain to striking Indian paintings, Islamic manuscripts, and South Asian bronzes and sculpture, each lot offers a thrilling opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Viewing
London Viewing
Viewing will be held at our London Gallery, Sworders Fine Art, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ as follows:
Friday 8 May, 10am - 4pm
Saturday 9 May, 10am - 1pm
Sunday 10 May, 10am - 1pm
Monday 11 May, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 12 May, 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 13 May, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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