“Puyi loved this card.”
—Georgy Permyakov
Puyi with Permyakov (far right) and other Soviet officials. Photo Courtesy Rubezh 
From Left to Right, Pujie, Puyi and Runqi © Palace Museum of The Manchurian Regime
[GW
Sir Reginald Johnston with Puyi,Pujie and Runqi in the Forbidden City.
© Palace Museum of The Manchurian Regime-
Puyi with Permyakov (far right) and other Soviet officials. Photo Courtesy Rubezh -
From Left to Right, Pujie, Puyi and Runqi © Palace Museum of The Manchurian Regime
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Watercolours by Gobulo Runqi, Puyi’s brother-in-law, likewise offer a fascinating glimpse of a palace perspective on the Chinese homeland and culture. It is an idealized vision, but one which dwells on everyday life rather than in the pomp and ceremonies of the imperial court.
This charming watercolour painting depicts a humorous genre scene of a classroom with the elderly teacher dozing while thirteen boys engaged in various activities, from reading quietly to playing blind man’s bluff. According to Permyakov’s inscription in Russian on the lower right corner, “Puyi loved this card.”. This subject of a group of boys also symbolises fecundity in traditional Chinese culture. Paintings and vases were often decorated with numerous children as a wish for abundance in male offspring. Furthermore, he credits on the reverse of the drawing in Russian: 'Runqi Gobulo, Puyi's brother-in-law, "School", 1945-E'.
Manufacturer:
Gobulo Runqi
Year:Circa 1945
Dimensions:27.8 x 39 cm. (10 7/8 x 15 3/8 in.)
Signed:Executed in circa 1945.
7
Playing in the classroom (private primary school)
Circa 1945
various objects and locales labelled by Aisin-Gioro Puyi in Chinese; inscribed 'Puyi loved this card' lower right by Georgy Permyakov; further signed, titled, inscribed and dated by Georgy Permyakov 'Runqi Gobulo, Puyi's brother-in-law, "School", 1945-E [in Russian]' on the reverse
ink and colour on paper
27.8 x 39 cm. (10 7/8 x 15 3/8 in.)
Executed in circa 1945.
In excess of HKD20,000/USD2,500
Sold for HK$241,300
Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
The Imperial Patek Philippe Sale
Hong Kong Auction 23 May 2023
