Page 189 - A Re-examination of Late Qing Dynasty Porcelain, 1850-1920 THESIS

best result was obtained, then she would sign the necessary documents and really
had nothing to say about the policy of the country. Now look at me. I have
400,000,000 people, all dependent on my judgment. 238

From this recording it becomes evident that Cixi found her position of power far more

demanding than that of Queen Victoria. Despite the Empress Dowager’s personal

feelings towards Queen Victoria, throughout her lifetime she would maintain a working

diplomatic relationship between China and Britain. The relationship is most visible

through the continued exchange of gifts between both rulers. The majority of these gifts

were works of art including hanging scrolls, calligraphy, and lacquer wares. One of the

predominant types of gifts found within the Royal Collection Trust associated within this

time period are pieces of porcelain Cixi selected. The most notable gifts exchanged were

presented to Queen Victoria in 1897 to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee. Cixi

selected a large pair of famille rose porcelain vases to present to Queen Victoria for her

Jubilee (Figure 72). The vases have broad bodies with long, tapered necks extending to a

wide mouth, and dragon-detailed handles. The porcelain is both enameled and gilded,

adding a heightened level of luxury to the vessels. Around the body of the porcelain is an

intricate landscape scene framed with borders of ruyi interwoven designs. Trees, lakes,

and distant mountains are visible, creating a style that indicates the European painting

technique of linear perspective. The pair dates to the earlier Jiaqing reign (r.1796-1820),

an era during which European painting styles remained prevalent. The empress

dowager’s selection of this specific porcelain pairing indicates that she directly connected

herself to the successes of earlier rulers. It also signifies that she was connected to the

238 The Princess Der Ling, Two Years in the Forbidden City (New York: Moffat, Yard and
Company, 1911), 356-357.

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