Empress Cixi, born Yehenara in 1835 during the Daoguang era, was initially titled Noble Consort Yi in 1854, just below the Empress. After the death of Emperor Xianfeng, she rose to power as Empress Dowager, controlling the affairs of state. Upon her death, her tomb was filled with extraordinary treasures, including pearls, jade, and gemstones. In 1928, Sun Dianying led a military expedition to raid her tomb, stealing numerous priceless artifacts, shocking both China and the world.
Cixi's tomb was adorned with various treasures. The bottom of her coffin was lined with pearls and intricately embroidered silk, while a jade lotus leaf rested at the head and a pink gold lotus flower at the foot. She wore a phoenix crown and a colorful embroidered robe, adorned with diamond chrysanthemum and plum blossom bracelets. Surrounding her were treasures such as white jade, jadeite, rubies, and intricately carved red coral trees and jade peaches. The underground palace also housed eighteen jade Arhats and prized horses. During the tomb raiding, Sun Dianying discovered these treasures, including a jade watermelon and luminous pearls.
