Page 85 - Bonhams, FIne Chinese Art, Linda Wrigglesworth Collection, May 13, 2021 London

The Qianlong emperor was my favourite Qing emperor. For me, his I also love the delicacy and the perfection of these little purses which
skilled Imperial Workshops understood the importance of detail - and originally hung from the robes of the Courtiers - such fine embroidery,
in my eyes - he understood the deeper aesthetic qualities inherent in beautiful patterns and then this wonderful shape creating this little
an object. It is quite magical what makes something special in one’s pouch (Lots 89 and 90). Predominantly, these purses were used for
eyes, and indeed we can see the magic of Qianlong era textiles in ceremonial use and not actually filled with objects, which I think is
the meticulous and intricate working of the heavenly maidens; their why they have survived in such a good condition until this day. The
clothing made with the finest silk threads creating multiple patterns, the lovely green pair with the ‘Hundred Antiques’ are worked in such a
faces beautifully serene, and then of course all the Buddhist lions - the fine counted stitch that you need a magnifying glass really to see the
lively cheeky lions - the mother, the cubs and their characters that have detail. The finest kesi purse suspending Imperial yellow tapes really
been wonderfully expressed through this very fine embroidery. hold the secret as to who wore them. Finally, the cut velvet blue robe
with the amazing coral skirt is understated, displaying incredibly
The other piece that lifts my heart is the exquisite Imperial orange complex weaving technique (Lot 92). We should never underestimate
robe, dating to the Qianlong/Jiaqing period (Lot 82). It really spoke the amazing technical ability of the Chinese workshops and the
to me and the first time I sold it, it was to this wonderful fashion Palace artists that created these art works.
designer in New York - I knew that he saw what I saw in the quality
of the garment - the richness of thread raising all the details from The incredible skills so refined in the Qing period always made my
the ground silk, the heavenly brilliant colours and of course, the rare heart sing and I am really looking forward to the new guardians of
extraordinary condition. The orange is a most fugitive dye and this these beautiful textiles looking after and deeply into the soul of each
robe is perfect. Due to a family circumstance, I purchased this robe piece and enjoying them, hopefully, as much as I have done.
back from the estate and I am so happy that I did because I had the
opportunity to really enjoy it again!

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