"We always thought of these objects as mementos of our grandmother. We had no idea they were so valuable, or had so much history. We used to dress up in the silks as children."
"Nan Brake felt deeply connected to [Chinese] people and collected in an organic way that enabled her to absorb the cultural life of her adopted country."
"The star of Brake's collection is a turquoise silk Imperial robe dating to the first half of the 19th century. It's woven with a wealth of symbols that has led specialists to recognize its significance."
Nan Brake lived in Beijing during the 1950s, working as a translator while collecting Chinese artifacts. She acquired valuable items like Ming dynasty paintings and Qing garments, which remained unrecognized in value by her descendants for decades. A recent visit by an antiquities specialist revealed their significance. Brake's collection, including a notable turquoise silk Imperial robe, is set for auction, highlighting her deep connection to Chinese culture and the organic way she absorbed its artistic richness.
Read at Artnet News
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