With the Empress Dowager of China · Chapter
XXVII: Present-Giving in China explained
This chapter explores the pervasive custom of present-giving in China, particularly within the Imperial Palace.
What happens
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 audiences with foreign ladies, continued to give gifts privately and on festivals. Carl details the Empress Dowager's thoughtful and personalized presents to her, including tailored wadded silk dresses, fur-lined garments, and a sable hat with a Princess Button, reflecting the Empress Dowager's generosity and consideration.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Identity and Tradition
The chapter highlights the deep-rooted tradition of present-giving in China, which is described as an 'unwritten law' that is almost indispensable, showing the strength of cultural customs.
Observation and Interpretation
Katherine Carl observes and interprets the Empress Dowager's gift-giving practices, noting the distinction between social and political motives, and providing insights into the Empress Dowager's character.
Art and Representation
The Empress Dowager's design of clothing for Carl, including copying from old pictures and prints, reflects the artistic and representational aspects of dress and gift-giving.
Characters to notice
- Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi
The Empress Dowager is the central figure in this chapter, depicted as a generous gift-giver who personally designs and orders presents for Katherine Carl, showing her consideration and desire to please.
- Katherine A. Carl
Carl is the recipient of the Empress Dowager's gifts and provides a detailed account of the presents, including clothing and a hat, and reflects on the Empress Dowager's thoughtfulness.
- Emperor Kwang-Hsu
The Emperor is mentioned in the context of birthday celebrations, where he also receives presents, though the Empress Dowager's birthday surpasses his in the number and elegance of gifts.
Key passages
“After the first few Audiences (when the presents were really of value), Her Majesty gave small and unimportant presents at the garden parties, which were made the subject of ridicule.”
After the initial audiences where the gifts were valuable, the Empress Dowager gave trivial presents at garden parties, which were mocked.
This shows the change in the Empress Dowager's gift-giving to foreign ladies, leading to the eventual abolition of presents at audiences.
“She had some trouble in arriving at a result which pleased her, which would be warm enough, and which, at the same time, would not interfere with the freedom of movement necessary for me to work with ease.”
She struggled to design a garment that was both warm and allowed me to paint freely.
This illustrates the Empress Dowager's thoughtful and considerate approach to designing a practical gift for Carl.
“This Flaming Pearl, symbol of the 'Unattainable,' is the eternal quest of the double dragon!”
The Flaming Pearl represents the unattainable, which the double dragon eternally seeks.
This explains the symbolic meaning of the Princess Button, adding cultural depth to the gift.