Manchu Noblewoman Holding a Dog

The Manchus—the ruling ethnic group of the Qing dynasty, 1644–1911—strictly controlled all aspects of raising dogs. Certain breeds of high pedigree were only allowed to be raised by members of the imperial clan. The young woman in the painting is dressed in elaborately designed clothes and holds a dog in her arms. The work was painstakingly done with great detail, and the bright colors show purposeful application. The petite maiden’s bashful expression is vividly depicted. As a piece in the old Qing palace collection, the work probably depicts a princess or imperial consort.