# With the Empress Dowager of China — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine A. Carl.

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/dedication.md): Katherine A. Carl dedicates her account of her experiences at the Chinese Court to Sir Robert Hart, acknowledging his helpful encouragement and his long and faithful service to the country.
- [Introductory](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/introductory.md): In April 1903, Katherine Carl receives a letter from Mrs. Conger proposing that she paint the Empress Dowager's portrait for the St. Louis Exposition. After official delays, Carl is presented to the Empress Dowager in Au
- [With the Empress Dowager of China](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/with-the-empress-dowager-of-china.md): This chapter provides a detailed account of the author's experiences and observations while living in the Forbidden City and serving as a portrait artist to the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi. It describes the daily life, custo
- [I: My Presentation and First Day at the Chinese Court](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/i-my-presentation-and-first-day-at-the-chinese-court.md): On August 5th, Katherine Carl, accompanied by Mrs. Conger and her interpreter, travels from the American Legation in Peking to the Summer Palace for her first audience with the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi. Upon arrival, she 
- [II: Personal Appearance of Her Majesty—A Chinese Repast—Boating](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/ii-personal-appearance-of-her-majesty-a-chinese-repast-boating.md): The chapter describes the second portrait sitting of the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi, during which Katherine A. Carl critically observes her appearance and notes her youthful looks. The Empress Dowager shows interest in the 
- [III: The Palace of the Emperor’s Father (Prince Ch’un, the Seventh Prince)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/iii-the-palace-of-the-emperor-s-father-prince-ch-un-the-seventh-prince.md): Katherine Carl describes her new residence, the Palace of the Emperor’s Father, which was restored for her by the Empress Dowager. She explores the grounds, discovers a poem inscribed by Prince Ch’un, and reflects on the
- [IV: Her Majesty’s Throne-Room—Some Personal Characteristics](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/iv-her-majesty-s-throne-room-some-personal-characteristics.md): This chapter describes the Empress Dowager's Throne-Room in detail, including its architecture, decorations, and the many clocks it contains. The author, Katherine Carl, continues work on the Empress Dowager's portrait, 
- [V: The Young Empress and Ladies of the Court](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/v-the-young-empress-and-ladies-of-the-court.md): This chapter introduces the young Empress, the secondary wife, and the various ladies of the court, detailing their relationships, appearances, and roles. It also explains the system of maids and tiring-women, the custom
- [VI: Continuation of the Portrait—Her Majesty’s Dogs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/vi-continuation-of-the-portrait-her-majesty-s-dogs.md): The chapter details the ongoing portrait sittings with the Empress Dowager, which are more social than productive. Carl observes the Empress's personality and the court's customs, particularly the walks and the Empress's
- [VII: Festivities at Court](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/vii-festivities-at-court.md): Preparations for the Emperor's birthday celebration begin, with the Empress Dowager inviting the author to stay for the festivities. The chapter describes the elaborate decorations, theatrical performances, and the uniqu
- [VIII: His Majesty the Emperor Kwang-Hsu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/viii-his-majesty-the-emperor-kwang-hsu.md): This chapter provides a detailed portrait of Emperor Kwang-Hsu, describing his physical appearance, personality, daily routines, and his complex relationship with the Empress Dowager. It explores his early reign, his fai
- [IX: The Emperor’s Birthday](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/ix-the-emperor-s-birthday.md): On the Emperor's birthday, Katherine Carl and the court gather early at the Summer Palace. The Emperor receives private congratulations from the Princesses and Ladies, followed by official ceremonies where Princes presen
- [Peking—The Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/x-peking-the-sea-palace.md): The Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi prepares to move the court to the Sea Palace in Peking, allowing Katherine Carl to stay at the American Legation. Carl visits the Sea Palace, explores its temples and grounds, and observes the
- [XI: Some Characteristics of Her Majesty—Second Visit to the Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xi-some-characteristics-of-her-majesty-second-visit-to-the-sea-palace.md): The narrator describes her second visit to the Sea Palace, detailing the Hall of the Mongolian Princes and the Dragon Wall. She reflects on the Empress Dowager's multifaceted personality, her impartiality, and the revere
- [XII: Return to the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xii-return-to-the-summer-palace.md): After the Emperor's birthday festivities, the Court returns to the Summer Palace. The author, Katherine Carl, hopes to work more regularly on the Empress Dowager's portrait but finds that Her Majesty still treats her as 
- [XIII: The Steam-Launch—Semiannual Sacrifices to Confucius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xiii-the-steam-launch-semiannual-sacrifices-to-confucius.md): The chapter describes the Empress Dowager's transition from using the Imperial barge to steam-launches for lake excursions, highlighting her adaptability and intelligence. It then details the semiannual Confucian sacrifi
- [XIV: The Palace Eunuchs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xiv-the-palace-eunuchs.md): This chapter provides a detailed account of the eunuchs who manage the internal affairs of the Chinese Imperial Palace. Katherine Carl describes their hierarchy, roles, and the power dynamics among them, particularly foc
- [XV: The Literary Tastes and Accomplishments of the Empress Dowager](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xv-the-literary-tastes-and-accomplishments-of-the-empress-dowager.md): This chapter explores the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi's literary abilities, her appreciation for Chinese classics and poetry, her love of theater, her strict standards for spoken Chinese, and her artistic talents in calligra
- [XVI: The Great Audience Hall—Some Official Customs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xvi-the-great-audience-hall-some-official-customs.md): This chapter describes the Great Audience Hall at the Summer Palace, where the Emperor and Empress Dowager hold their official audiences. It details the physical layout, the customs and protocols observed during these au
- [XVII: The Summer Palace and Its Grounds](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xvii-the-summer-palace-and-its-grounds.md): This chapter describes the Summer Palace, the Empress Dowager's favorite residence, detailing its natural beauty, architectural features, gardens, and the blend of nature and art. It also touches on the ruins of the old 
- [XVIII: The Festival of the Harvest Moon—Work on the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xviii-the-festival-of-the-harvest-moon-work-on-the-portrait.md): The chapter describes the Festival of the Harvest Moon at the Chinese court, including the legend and theatrical performance, and the ongoing work on the Empress Dowager's portrait. The author expresses frustration with 
- [XIX: A Garden Party at the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xix-a-garden-party-at-the-summer-palace.md): The Empress Dowager hosts a garden party for the foreign Legations, with separate days for gentlemen and ladies. Katherine A. Carl, as a foreigner, is asked by Her Majesty to receive the ladies with Mrs. Conger. The ladi
- [XX: I Begin a Second Portrait of Her Majesty—The Palace Painters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xx-i-begin-a-second-portrait-of-her-majesty-the-palace-painters.md): The Empress Dowager decides that the first portrait is advanced enough for her sixteen characters and seals to be added. While this is being deliberated, Katherine begins a second, more informal portrait of the Empress D
- [XXI: A European Circus at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxi-a-european-circus-at-the-palace.md): The Empress Dowager arranges for a European circus to perform at the Summer Palace. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor, along with the court, travel by boat to the circus grounds. The performance is a novel experience f
- [Palace Customs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxii-palace-customs.md): This chapter details the daily routines and customs of the Empress Dowager's court, including her sleeping habits, morning audiences, personal hygiene, dining etiquette, and the strict observance of propriety, especially
- [Her Majesty's Anxiety—Her Birthday](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxiii-her-majesty-s-anxiety-her-birthday.md): The Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi is visibly anxious due to national crises, including the Russian failure to evacuate Manchuria and a rebellion in Kwang Hsi. Despite her desire for a simple birthday celebration, tradition and
- [XXIV: The Winter Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxiv-the-winter-palace.md): The Empress Dowager and the Court move to the Winter Palace for the winter. Katherine Carl describes the arrival ceremony, the architecture and interiors of the Winter Palace, and her disappointment with the studio provi
- [XXV: Peking—Beginning the Portrait for St. Louis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxv-peking-beginning-the-portrait-for-st-louis.md): In this chapter, Katherine Carl describes her journey from the United States Legation to the Empress Dowager's Palace, detailing the sights and sounds of Peking. She then begins the portrait for St. Louis, facing challen
- [XXVI: Some Social Customs—Manchu and Chinese](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxvi-some-social-customs-manchu-and-chinese.md): This chapter explores the social customs and family structures of the Manchu and Chinese peoples, focusing on the elevated status of unmarried Manchu women, the presentation of brides at court, the roles of secondary wiv
- [XXVII: Present-Giving in China](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxvii-present-giving-in-china.md): This chapter explores the pervasive custom of present-giving in China, particularly within the Imperial Palace. Katherine A. Carl describes how the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi, despite the abolition of presents at formal aud
- [XXVIII: Some Winter Days at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxviii-some-winter-days-at-the-palace.md): During the winter months at the Palace, Katherine A. Carl works diligently on the official portrait for the St. Louis Exposition, with the Empress Dowager posing frequently despite her growing anxiety over the Russo-Japa
- [XXIX: Religious Rites in China](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxix-religious-rites-in-china.md): This chapter explores the religious landscape of China, focusing on the three great religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and the worship of Nature. It describes the Emperor's role as the High Priest of the Nature cult, his sacri
- [Her Majesty the Empress Dowager](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxx-her-majesty-the-empress-dowager.md): This chapter provides a detailed account of the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi's origins, rise to power, and her role in key historical events. It refutes claims of her low birth, detailing her noble Manchu lineage and educatio
- [XXXI: The Empress Dowager’s Charities, Sense of Justice, Extravagance, and Personal Characteristics](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxi-the-empress-dowager-s-charities-sense-of-justice-extravagance-and-personal-characteristics.md): This chapter details the Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi's charitable acts, her sense of justice as demonstrated in the Wang case, her extravagance and the palace's financial excesses, and her personal characteristics including 
- [XXXII: The Chinese New Year—Official Audience](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxii-the-chinese-new-year-official-audience.md): The chapter describes the celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Imperial Palace, including decorations, gift-giving, and the Empress Dowager's anxiety over the Russo-Japanese War. The portrait work continues with ad
- [XXXIII: Continuation of the St. Louis Portrait—Spring Days at the Sea Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxiii-continuation-of-the-st-louis-portrait-spring-days-at-the-sea-palace.md): The Empress Dowager consults almanacs to set an auspicious date for finishing the portrait, choosing April 19th before four o'clock. She closely supervises the painting of accessories and jewels, often requesting changes
- [XXXIV: Finishing and Sending Off the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxiv-finishing-and-sending-off-the-portrait.md): The chapter describes the completion of the Empress Dowager's portrait, its viewing by foreign ladies and Chinese officials, and its ceremonial journey to the St. Louis Exposition and eventual presentation to the United 
- [XXXV: Return to the Summer Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xxxv-return-to-the-summer-palace.md): The Court returns to the Summer Palace in late April, where the author resumes work in a new studio. The Empress Dowager hosts a Garden Party for legation ladies, during which she decides to display one of the portraits.
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations.md): This chapter is a list of illustrations accompanying the book, depicting scenes and figures from the imperial court of China, including the Empress Dowager, court ladies, princesses, palaces, and temples.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The endnotes provide supplementary explanations and clarifications, including a poetic tribute to the Empress Dowager, notes on Chinese customs and language, and a reflection on the Boxer uprising.

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