$22,515
Kesi Dragon Robe, China, 18th century, with four forefronting five-clawed dragons: one to the front, one to the back, and one on each shoulder, and two profile dragons to each side, interspersed with the Eight Buddhist Emblems and bats amidst ruyi -head clouds, all above lishui , wave, and rock patterns to the border, on a dark blue ground. Provenance: Ex-collection of Dr. Harvey J. Howard (1880-1956). Dr. Howard was in China as the head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Union Medical College in Peking from 1917-1927. He also served as the ophthalmologist to Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, from 1921 to 1925. The robe was a gift to him by Emperor Pu Yi. Dr. Howard returned to the United States in 1927 and served as the first Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine. His book, Ten Weeks with Chinese Bandits , was published in 1932, recording his experience during the summer and early fall of 1925. Damage to both shoulders and the collar (pulled threads), overall good condition
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-06-04
