*A CHINESE BLUE-BLACK GROUND SILK SUIT OF CEREMONIAL ARMOUR AND HELMET OF A GENERAL

QING DYNASTY

In dark blue-black satin with gilt copper studs and lined with cotton padding and pale-blue silk, comprising: a jacket and apron, detachable sleeves, shoulder epaulettes and accessories, together with a parcel-gilt and iron helmet adorned with gold dragons, borders of ruyi-heads and set with coral and surmounted by a tall fur plume and a gilt metal reticulated finial, the jacket and skirt 150cm approx.

Provenance: formerly the collection of Miss Diana Kearny Powell, Washington, who inherited the suit from her father Col. William Glasgow Powell, USMC (1871-1955), who participated in the relief of Peking in 1900.

Cf. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Armaments and Military Provisions, pp.66-67, no.62. and also R L Thorp, Son of Heaven, Imperial Arts of China, pp.80-81 for similar suits of armour, see also China, the Three Emperors 1662-1795, pp.156-157 for an illustration of related suits of armour from the Eight Banners.