Puyi, the last Emperor of China between 1908 and 1924, is known as the boy who sat on the Dragon Throne. He started out in life as an anachronism, a boy emperor of a fading dynasty. During his tumultuous lifetime, the treasures he collected better are commensurate with his noble pedigree.
Pendant watch made of enamel and pearl
The exquisitely gilded watch sparkles with more than 100 pieces of pearl, all of one size and remarkably smooth. Flamboyant patterns featuring auspicious eight treasures are studded on the enamel of the necklace attached to the watch, imparting a feeling of an overt elegance.
Shippo
The Shippo that Puyi collected was a present from Mikado, the Emperor of Japan.
Shippo is the Japanese term for enamelware, which means 'Seven Treasures', a reference to the seven treasures mentioned in Buddhist texts. Although these treasures may vary, they generally included at least some of the following: gold, silver, emerald, coral, agate, lapis lazuli, giant clamshell, glass and pearl. The Japanese applied this expression to the rich colors found on Chinese enamel wares and later to those they made themselves.
Hidden wealth
On August 19, 1945, Puyi was captured by the Soviet Red Army at the Fengyang airport in Shenyang .Two heavy trunks that were found with him touched off an uproar among the people present. The trunks were filled with innumerable and invaluable treasures, including two golden plates, a bug-shaped pendant watch bested with 174 pieces of pearl and two pieces of ruby, gilded casket studded with garnet, bracelet made from rare coral, necklace and hair clip of solid gold, classy jewelries and lapis lazuli carving etc.
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