University of Alberta Museums Search

Translation of the Chinese text: "[continuing from the right leaf, 2004.19.1.1.61]...ornamented with nine eastern pearls apiece, and one cat's eye stone [topaz] each [for the phoenix body], and pearls, 21 each [for the phoenix tail feathers].[At the back of the hat] there is a long-tailed pheasant [an inverted gourd-shaped flap of fur], ornamented with one cat's eye stone, and 16 small gems. The pheasant tail trails in pearls arranged in five strands and two registers, totalling 302. Each strand [of pearls] has one large pearl. At the centre is a plaque made of gold-inlaid lapis lazuli from which hangs an eastern pearl and six precious pearls, with coral beads at the ends. At the back of the hat where it meets the collar trail two bright yellow ribbons, adorned with precious gems, and a sash of blue satin."

(Translated and transcribed by Lisa Claypool, Ed., China’s Imperial Modern: The Painter’s Craft, Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Museums, 2012, p. 102)

On the reverse of the piece "(8)" is handwritten in pencil on the upper right corner.