A collection of Chinese antiques, including an Imperial robe from the 19th century, was discovered in a chest in London after being kept as family mementos for decades. The items were acquired by Nan Brake, a British translator living in Beijing during the 1950s, who purchased them on excursions around the city. The collection, which features Ming dynasty paintings, Qing dynasty embroidered robes, and jade ornaments, will be auctioned by Roseberys on May 12 with an estimated total value of £40,000 ($54,100). The standout piece is a turquoise silk Imperial robe embroidered with nine five-clawed dragons, likely made for a male member of the emperor's family.
The story matters because it highlights how overlooked personal collections can contain historically significant artifacts, and it underscores the enduring market for Chinese imperial art. The robe's motifs, including dragons and celestial symbols, offer insights into Qing dynasty ceremonial dress and imperial symbolism. The auction also reflects ongoing interest from textile museums and collectors in Chinese cultural heritage, while the collection's provenance—assembled by a foreigner during a transformative period in China—adds a unique cross-cultural narrative to the art market.