Introductory
The subject of the portrait, who approves the sitting and receives Carl graciously, but whose character is misrepresented in the press.
With the Empress Dowager of China
The central figure of the chapter, whose daily life, personality, and political acumen are the primary focus of the author's observations.
I: My Presentation and First Day at the Chinese Court
The Empress Dowager, who greets Carl warmly, poses for the first portrait, and invites her to stay at the palace.
II: Personal Appearance of Her Majesty—A Chinese Repast—Boating
Gives a second sitting for the portrait; her personal appearance is described in detail; she smokes a water-pipe and cigarettes; she orders lotus flowers during the boating trip.
III: The Palace of the Emperor’s Father (Prince Ch’un, the Seventh Prince)
Set aside the palace for Carl's use and had it restored.
IV: Her Majesty’s Throne-Room—Some Personal Characteristics
The Empress Dowager is the central figure of the chapter. She decides to remove her nail-protectors for the portrait, suggests adding a lotus flower, and shows her love of nature by walking in the orchards and gardens. Her actions and preferences are described in detail.
V: The Young Empress and Ladies of the Court
Mentioned as the reigning Empress Dowager, aunt of the young Empress, and the one who selected the secondary wife. Also noted for her kindness to the nurse who saved her life.
VI: Continuation of the Portrait—Her Majesty’s Dogs
The Empress Dowager poses for the portrait, studies Carl, and shows her fondness for dogs, eventually gifting Carl a puppy named Me-lah.
VII: Festivities at Court
Invites the author to the birthday festivities, oversees all preparations, and personally guides the author through the theater.
VIII: His Majesty the Emperor Kwang-Hsu
His 'august aunt and adopted mother'; co-ruler who still holds significant power, with whom he maintains formal but friendly relations.
IX: The Emperor’s Birthday
Hosts the birthday celebrations, dressed with extreme simplicity to avoid vying with the Empress, and strictly oversees court dress details.
Peking—The Sea Palace
Directs the arrangement of the portrait and materials, treats the portrait as sacred, and suggests Carl visit the Sea Palace.
XI: Some Characteristics of Her Majesty—Second Visit to the Sea Palace
Shows her statesmanship and childlike interests, her love of rain and gourds, and her titles 'Lao-Fo-yeh' and 'Lao-Tzu-Tzung'.
XII: Return to the Summer Palace
Returns to the Summer Palace, resumes portrait sittings, orders new easels and yellow boxes, and shares a scenic view with Carl, showing her artistic soul and kindness.
XIII: The Steam-Launch—Semiannual Sacrifices to Confucius
Shows her adaptability and intelligence by using steam-launches, remains calm during mishaps, and participates in the Confucian ceremony.
XIV: The Palace Eunuchs
Her Majesty's Chief Eunuch is described as powerful and capable; she is noted for her acute sense of smell for opium and her strict punishments for eunuchs who smoke.
XV: The Literary Tastes and Accomplishments of the Empress Dowager
Her literary tastes, memory, calligraphy, and personal habits are detailed.
XVI: The Great Audience Hall—Some Official Customs
Mentioned as receiving urgent telegrams and despatches outside audience hours during grave events, showing her active role in state affairs.
XVII: The Summer Palace and Its Grounds
Her favorite residence; she watches the road from the palace, points out the Emperor's approach, and feels keenly the foreign depredations to temples.
XVII: The Summer Palace and Its Grounds
Her Majesty's gardeners cultivate a green chrysanthemum variety that delights her.
XVIII: The Festival of the Harvest Moon—Work on the Portrait
The Empress Dowager is the subject of the portrait and the central figure of the court. She is pleased with the portrait's progress and invites Mrs. Conger to see it. She participates in the Harvest Moon ceremony with bows and offerings.
XIX: A Garden Party at the Summer Palace
Hosts the garden party, receives the ladies with great tact and cordiality, comments on foreign dress and hair color.
XX: I Begin a Second Portrait of Her Majesty—The Palace Painters
Decides on the placement of her sixteen characters and seals on the first portrait, commissions a second informal portrait, and expresses curiosity about Western dancing.
XXI: A European Circus at the Palace
Arranges for the circus, pulls the first turnip, shows interest in the animals, and displays antipathy to feline creatures.
Palace Customs
Her daily schedule, sleeping habits, dining preferences, and strict enforcement of court etiquette are described in detail.
Her Majesty's Anxiety—Her Birthday
Shows visible anxiety and fatigue due to state troubles; reluctantly participates in elaborate birthday celebrations, refusing new title to save money.
Her Majesty's Anxiety—Her Birthday
Receives prostrations from the Emperor, Empress, Princesses, and Imperial Family on a throne in the Palace halfway up the terraced hill.
XXIV: The Winter Palace
Arrives at the Winter Palace in a grand procession, expresses her preference for the Summer Palace, and shows her quarters to Carl.
XXV: Peking—Beginning the Portrait for St. Louis
The subject of the portrait, she insists on her preferred hand position and discusses the size of the portrait, while showing anxiety over rumors of war.
XXVI: Some Social Customs—Manchu and Chinese
Hosts brides at court, receives their obeisances, and shows favor to the widow of Grand Secretary Yung Lu.
XXVII: Present-Giving in China
The Empress Dowager is the central figure in this chapter, depicted as a generous gift-giver who personally designs and orders presents for Katherine Carl, showing her consideration and desire to please.
XXVIII: Some Winter Days at the Palace
Poses for the portrait, shows anxiety over the political situation, and is touched by Carl's mourning attire.
XXIX: Religious Rites in China
Participates in the ceremony of the awakening of Spring, partaking of the first radish and lettuce, and making wishes for national prosperity.
Her Majesty the Empress Dowager
The chapter's central figure, detailing her noble origins, rise to power, political acumen, and her role during the Boxer Rebellion and subsequent flight.
XXXI: The Empress Dowager’s Charities, Sense of Justice, Extravagance, and Personal Characteristics
Portrayed as patriotic, charitable, just, tactful, and socially adept, yet also impulsive and capable of sarcasm and cruelty.
XXXII: The Chinese New Year—Official Audience
Celebrates the New Year with gifts and decorations, but is anxious about the war. She suggests changes to the portrait's hands and moves the Court to the Sea Palace.
XXXIII: Continuation of the St. Louis Portrait—Spring Days at the Sea Palace
Consults almanacs for auspicious date to finish portrait, supervises painting details, requests jewel changes, enjoys spring activities, flies kites, and inspects new buildings.
XXXIV: Finishing and Sending Off the Portrait
Her Majesty closely monitored the portrait's progress, arranged viewings, and decided to gift it to the United States.
XXXV: Return to the Summer Palace
Hosts a Garden Party, pins a peony on the author's dress, decides to show the portrait, and later asks the author to fix a detail on the gown.
List of Illustrations
Featured in illustrations such as boating excursion, calligraphy, bird calling, and portrait.
Endnotes
Subject of the poetic tribute and central figure in the endnotes' clarifications.
