Staff finial in the shape of a sculptured dragon's head, 1900 (c)

This gilt bronze (over wood) finial was part of the palanquin (or jiao) of the Dowager Empress of China, Tzu Hsi (1834-1908). It was acquired during the 3rd China War (1900) by Brigadier General Alfred Gaselee who commanded the British contingent of the multinational force that occupied Beijing and liberated the besieged Legation Quarter in August 1900.