At the first special auction for embroidered articles named "Kingdom of Silk" that is sponsored by China Guardian Auctions Co., Ltd., an imperial robe worn by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty (AD1616 -- 1911) was auctioned at a high price of 693,000 yuan (US$83690), which is four-fold the starting bid of 160,000 yuan (US$19320).

The 142-cm long and 115-cm wide imperial robe of Emperor Yongzheng is made of bright yellow silk embroidered with a golden dragon and the character "shou (long life)."

The robe comes from a Taiwanese collector. As it has been confirmed that Emperor Yongzheng did wear this robe, it becomes more precious. Although accessories such as collar and sleeves are missing, it is still highly valuable for collection. The auction price is initially estimated from 180,000 to 250,000 yuan.

However, after the auction began yesterday morning, at least three buyers showed their strong interest in this imperial robe and bid one after another. In merely three minutes, the price rose to 693,000 (US$83690) yuan and the imperial robe came under the hammer right at this price.

According to experts, this imperial robe is the most exquisite one among all the imperial robes at Yongzheng period. Its patterns, including the dragon, the seawater and colorful clouds, look more lively and vivid than those of Qianlong (Emperor Yongzheng's son) period.

(Chinanews.cn May 18, 2005)