RARE IMPERIAL YELLOW-GROUND SILK BROCADE

of rectangular form, delicately woven in lampas technique, with two impressive gilt-couched five-clawed golden dragons chasing a flaming pearl above crashing waves and mountains in different shades of blue, green and creamy white colour, framed (Dimensions: 46cm x 83cm) (Qty: 1)

(46cm x 83cm)

Qty: (1)

Footnote: Provenance:Major General Swanstons, either Major General William Oliver Swanston (1827-1908) or Major General Nowell Swanston (1833-1912), acquired this panel directly in China in 1860;Given to his sister Catherine Swanston (1822-1894) who married Edward Willis (1816-1895) in 1840;Their daughter Miss M. F. Willis gave this panel to Jeremy (or Jeany/Jenny) in 1924;The current owner, private Scottish collection in Edinburgh, acquired this panel from Lyon & Turnbull in 1960 with an original framed letter (illustrated).Note:The letter composed by Miss M.F. Willis at Sussex on 20th September 1924 stated that her uncle Major General Swanston acquired this panel from the Summer Palace in 1840. Although, historically, 1860 is more likely to be accurate. The brocade, according to the letter, was then given to Miss Willis' mother. In 1924, Miss Willis gave it to the receiver of the letter- Jeremy, or Jeany, or Jenny, possibly a family member who was getting married.There were two Major General Swanstons, both were uncles of Miss M.F. Willis:Major General William Oliver Swanston (1827-1908), Madras Staff Corps., Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, 22nd Oct 1867; created Lieutenant 17th Mar 1859; Captain on 18th Feb 1861 and Major on 20th Dec 1866; Lieutenant Colonel on 20th Dec 1872;or his younger brotherMajor General Nowell Swanston (1833-1912), Indian armyBoth were sons of Charles Swanston (1789-1850)