4Autumn (one of a set of four rubbings of carved paintings, of birds and flowers of the four seasons)Late 19th-early 20th centuryEmpress Dowager Cixi75.057.00318637911166ChinaA chrysanthemum plant with flowers in full bloom is partially hidden behind a large garden rock. Three birds, quails perhaps, are gathered in the lower foreground. Carved inscription: "From the brush of Empress Dowager Cixi." Empress Dowager CixiSpring (one of a set of four rubbings of carved paintings, of birds and flowers of the four seasons)Late 19th-early 20th centuryEmpress Dowager Cixi75.057.00118637811159A cascade of weeping willow branches at the top is followed by a couple branches of a flowering plum tree. Two birds are at the bottom, skipping above what appears to be a pond. Main motifs are in sunk relief, which is left without black ink. Carved inscription: "From the brush of Empress Dowager Cixi."Empress Dowager CixiSummer (one of a set of four rubbings of carved paintings, of birds and flowers of the four seasons)Late 19th-early 20th centuryEmpress Dowager Cixi75.057.00218918811162ChinaSeveral long stalks of lotuses--on the tops of which are flowers or leaves--rise high above the water's surface. In contrast to the majestic quality of the lotuses is a small pair of birds hovering above the plants. The flowers are in sunk relief, which is left without ink.Empress Dowager CixiWinter (one of a set of four rubbings of carved paintings, of birds and flowers of the four seasons)Late 19th-early 20th centuryEmpress Dowager Cixi75.057.00419243511169ChinaA bough of plum blossoms (?) rises straight-up from the bottom center of the composition with only a slight curve. There is also a garden rock and several young sprays of grass or bamboo leaf (?) in the foreground. Near the top of this vertical thrust is a magpie with long tail feathers perched on a branch. Carved inscription: "From the brush of Empress Dowager Cixi."Empress Dowager Cixi