Chinese Forbidden-Stitch wedding skirt with Imperial provenance. Embroidered red silk skirt with four panels of six-toed dragons, rendered in metallic thread, over waves surrounded by bats, carp, and clouds. The dragon panels alternate with panels of phoenix in flight, and all panels are bordered by blue and white embroidered flower and scroll designs. The skirt is lined in pale blue silk with a pale blue silk waistband. 35"L. Note: this skirt, and the skirts in the next lot, were gifts from Henry Puyi, the last emperor of China, to Luke Lea Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee, liaison to Gen. Douglas MacArthur in negotiations during the war crimes trials of Japanese officials in the 1940s. A period photograph of Luke Lea Jr. (right) with Henry Puyi (center) accompanies this lot.

By descent from Col. Luke Lea, Jr. to present consignor. Overall very good condition. A few sections of binding ribbon have come detached and exhibit minor fraying. A couple of tiny spots of fraying to hem. Small tear to black binding ribbon at one side. Some scattered minor stains to waistband and upper hip area. A 20" area needs restitching at side (hip area).