Dragon Robe (Mangpao)

The dragon robe, which was worn by the emperor during the Qing dynasty, is decorated with the twelve imperial symbols and the five-clawed dragon. Robes worn by the emperor, empress, and empress dowager were referred to as dragon robes, whereas those worn by the royal family and officials were called mangpao. The design and decorative patterns of a mangpao are similar to that of a dragon robe. However, a mangpao is not decorated with the twelve imperial symbols nor the five-clawed dragon, but has a dragon pattern that has a different number of claws. To his servants or vassals, the emperor would grant a five-clawed dragon mangpao that is decorated with either a four-clawed or five-clawed dragon.