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China Portrait of Madam Li Ink and color on silk, 1535 Ming dynasty 10'6" H by 3'6" W (image size) Gift of Dr. and Mrs. William H. Thompson 1944:52 Detail Detail Detail Detail Detail

This portrait was rendered more than 100 years before the beginning of the Qing dynasty. Madame Li’s dress and headdress are of the type worn only for a special occasions during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). This type of loose robe with wide sleeves remained popular with Chinese women during the Qing dynasty.

The decorative motifs include: dragons, peacocks, cranes, and the Eight Precious Objects.

The inscription reads "Madame Kuo-Li, Wife of the Magistrate Li Fu-Chu of Li County, Chih-Li Province [modern Hopei] was awarded a title of Ju Jen by the Imperial Decree. The award was based on her respectable reputation as a dutiful wife and loving mother. Her virtuous conduct helped her husband to become a famous official of high moral standing in the nation. Date of the decree: on the 7^th day, 11^th month, 4^th year Chia-Ching era [1535]."

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