A Taste of Asia – Asian cuisine and antiquities

A Brief History of the Chinese Imperial Dog

The Chinese Imperial Dog was called Imperial, Hah-Pah, and the solid colored imperials were called Chin Ssu Ha-Pah in the Chinese Imperial Palace. In early English books they are called Imperial or “Pekinese Type” when they didn’t know what to call them. The Imperial was always a separate dog from the Pekinese, Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso. They were being bred along side them in the very early days but they were not the same dog. The Shih Tzu came much later.2 The Shih Tzu Kou or Liondog, as the early Imperials were called, were bred in the likeness of the Buddhist perception of the lion because when Buddha came to earth from heaven he rode on a lion. Therefore, the Imperials were also believed to be holy or tribute dogs and were highly prized. When an Imperial became too large then it was put to death as it was highly undesirable. As you can see from this antique Chinese fan that the Imperial was a small dog indeed.1

In later years these larger Imperials were called a Shih Tzu. An old tapestry picturing an Imperial, Shih Tzu and a Pekinese was found recently dating to before the time of Christ. You can see the complete difference of the dogs in this tapestry. This puts to death a rumor that an Imperial is a Shih Tzu and that a Shih Tzu is a mix between a Llasa and a Pekinese. The Shih Tzu, Pekinese and Imperial have been completely separate breeds of dogs for more that 2000 years. The early ancestors of the Imperial were given to the emperors of the Manchu dynasty of China as gifts of great honor and were only allowed to be owned by the emperors. In China the dogs became little temple dogs and were kept in the palace and carefully guarded and cared for by the court eunuchs. As the lion dogs were the property of the Royal family, they were not widely known outside the Imperial Palace and it is said that anyone unlawfully owning one was sentenced to death. However, it is thought that puppies which did not meet the Dowager Empress’s high standards, were secretly sold by the eunuchs to the nobility outside the palace. The Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi was greatly interested in dogs and during her reign she was personally concerned with their breeding and welfare. They were bred to be loyal companions, bed warmers and would lie across the feet of the Emperor and Empress while taking would take care of court business to keep their feet warm. She would keep a few Imperials and Shih Tzu around her at all times. At one time it was the fashion for the dogs to be carried in their kimono sleeves.2

After the death of the Dowager Empress in 1908, the breeding of the dogs was no
longer important. The young Emperor and Empress were not interested in the dogs and some were given as gifts to noblewomen and men in England and the Netherlands.3 This is how the Imperial was introduced to the west. In 1938 an individual standard was set for the Shih Tzu. At the time the dog fanciers did not know what to do with the Imperials so they lumped them together in with the
Shih Tzu. In the United States, fanciers obtained the first Shih Tzu in the late 1930’s and they gained even more popularity in the 1960’s with many imports coming from England and Europe.

Our Chinese Imperial Dogs went to the Netherlands and Australia and were kept pure bred and small.4 In the 1960’s a small few breeders brought them to the United States. These breeders fought hard to get them recognized but in their ignorance the AKC would only classify our lovely Chinese Imperials as Shih Tzu.5
This is how many of the imperials became mixed with the Shih Tzu. Now the dedicated breeders of the Chinese Imperial Dog are fighting just as hard to get them recognized again.  We have been quite successful so far.

The Chinese Imperial dog was first accepted as it’s own breed separate from the
Shih Tzu by the NCA as of March 2005 and by the CPR, UABR, and the NKC in
2006. The Chinese Imperial Dog is also internationally recognized by the IPDBA.
A breed club has been formed to support this new breed and is dedicated to
promoting and preserving this wonderful little dog.

# 1Chinese Fans with the Chinese Imperial Dog found in Dogs of China and Japan in Nature and Art
# 2Dogs Of China And Japan In Nature And Art V. W. F. Collier
# 3This Is The Shih Tzu Allan Easton
# 4 First Account from Jane Seng
# 5First Accounts from Ron Finney and Jane Seng

About the Author

Karen Christensen has been breeding the Imperial Shih Tzu for over 20 years as of 2008. She is a key person in the founding of the Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America and helped to write the breed standard. She also served as the Secretary for this club for 18 months and was a key founder for the Imperial Shih Tzu Information Society; the definitive place for the pet owner to get information about the breed.
Karen Christensen is a great supporter of the Imperial Shih Tzu and Chinese Imperial Dog and the owner of Eaglegate Shih Tzu
Copyright© 2007 Karen Christensen All rights reserved.

Asian Antique Full-size Chinese Beds for Sale

Florene Asian Art – Blue Chinese Lanterns On Antique Background – Aprons Blue Chinese Lanterns On Antique Background Apron is commercial quality product. Whether it’s put to use in a restaurant or home, this apron will always help keep you clean. 100% cotton with Teflon finish for added protection. 1″ wide neck and waist ties, adjustable neck strap for full and medium length aprons….

Simple Japanese Chinese Asian Style Furniture – 39 Black Altar Top Console Cabinet Small Buffet Server w/ Distressed Finish $589.00 Unique fine furniture quality 2 drawer, 2 door Asian style altar top chest, traditionally used for family shrines in 19th century China. The everted top and attractive distressed black lacquer finish create a great eye catching accent cabinet for the foyer, hall or living room, or a small server for the dining room, with useful, practical drawer and cabinet space. Well crafted from kiln dried Birc…

Desperado (Special Edition) $2.98 It’s Sergio Leone meets Sam Peckinpah meets Quentin Tarantino in this ultraviolent, mythological shoot-’em-up by auteur Robert Rodriguez. In Desperado, Rodriguez creates larger-than-life, genre-tweaking stock characters and puts them through their paces. As they stride bravely through an Old West lightly dusted with camp humor, they’re periodically called upon to nimbly dodge bullets and fireballs…

000NS-We recommend Natchez Solution, All Natural Complete Furniture Care, Natchez Solution Furniture $12.50 8-ounce bottle. We recommend Natchez Solution for antique furniture restoration. We use it at Silk Road Collection as a wood furniture polish and to protect our wooden oriental furniture. It is an all natural, hypoallergenic blend of beeswax, mineral oil and lemon oil. It feeds the wood to restore luster and vitality. We use it on all of our wooden Asian furniture. We highly recommend it….

Antique Style Miniature Dollhouse Furniture Medium China Cabinet New old stock warehouse find, this is a miniature dollhouse china cupboard made by Russ Berrie around 1996 for their vintage inspired Bears from the Past line. The cabinet is small in scale — about 4-3/8″ tall. It was designed for miniature bears, but would work equally well with miniature dolls. It is made of wood, with some moveable parts (the “glass” front door are a plastic material), plus ha…

Metal Antique English Lock [ 1 Bag ] $12.54 Category Locks Subcategory Lock Color Group Yellows & Brass, Antique English Color/Finish Antique English Overall Dimensions 28 x 75 mm (1 3/32″ x 2 15/16″) Material Metal Catalog Collection Section Inspiration Subsection Styles Collection Keys and Locks Color/Finish Number AE Screw/Nail Wood screw (not included) Packaging format Per unit…

Metal Antique English Lock [ 1 Bag ] $10.14 Category Locks Subcategory Lock Color Group Yellows & Brass, Antique English Color/Finish Antique English Overall Dimensions 38 x 75 mm (1 1/2″ x 2 15/16″) Material Metal Catalog Collection Section Inspiration Subsection Styles Collection Keys and Locks Color/Finish Number AE Handing Left Screw/Nail Wood screw (not included) Packaging format Per unit…

Metal Antique English Lock [ 1 Bag ] $10.14 Category Locks Subcategory Lock Color Group Yellows & Brass, Antique English Color/Finish Antique English Overall Dimensions 38 x 75 mm (1 1/2″ x 2 15/16″) Material Metal Catalog Collection Section Inspiration Subsection Styles Collection Keys and Locks Color/Finish Number AE Handing Right Screw/Nail Wood screw (not included) Packaging format Per unit…

French, English & Other Period Furniture, Georgian & Other Antique Silver, Chinese Jades & Cermaics, Georgian Embroidery Pictures, Antique Textiles, Oriental Lowestoft & Other Chinese Export Porcelain, Spoke & Other English Table Porcelain, Table & Bed. …

Chinese Furniture $37.96 The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chinese Furniture is a survey of these collectibles-from the very best hardwood pieces fea

Markam Bed – Queen – Antique Nickel $799 Extraordinarily detailed, the Markam is a stand out in the sleigh bed category. The stunning Antique Nickel finish enhances the exquisite castings and lends the bed an elegant and timeless appearance. The Markam bed is a masterpiece that will compliment any home.

Markam Bed – King – Antique Nickel $899 Extraordinarily detailed, the Markam is a stand out in the sleigh bed category. The stunning Antique Nickel finish enhances the exquisite castings and lends the bed an elegant and timeless appearance. The Markam bed is a masterpiece that will compliment any home.

Bed $11.16 College students, recent graduates, and their parents work at Denny’s, volunteer at a public library in suburban Florida, attend satanic ska/punk concerts, eat Chinese food with the homeless of New York City, and go to the same Japanese restaurant in Manh

Antique Black Black Easel $235 -Chinese Oakwood

Antique Chinese Accessories $22.46 This book is in New – Excellent condition

Victoria Antique White Twin Complete Bed $588 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria Bed Set – Twin Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 39.75W; FB: 33.5H x 39.75W -4 Leg Twin/Full Bed Frame Dimensions: 76L x 54W

Victoria Antique White King Complete Bed $773 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria Bed Set – King Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 77.75W; FB: 33.5H x 77.75W -6 Leg Queen/King Bed Frame Dimensions: 83.5L x 78W

Victoria Antique White Queen Complete Bed $673 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria Bed Set – Queen Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 61.75W; FB: 33.5H x 61.75W -6 Leg Queen/King Bed Frame Dimensions: 83.5L x 78W

Victoria Antique White Full Complete Bed $671 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria Bed Set – Full Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 54.75W; FB: 33.5H x 54.75W -4 Leg Twin/Full Bed Frame Dimensions: 76L x 54W

Schlage Georgian Bed and Bath Knob (Antique Brass) $20.99 The bed and bath Georgian knob design features classically inspired details for timeless appeal. The warm brass undertones of Antique Brass express a time-honored appeal.

Oslo Antique Bed Spread – Full $89.99 The ornate matelasse Oslo bed coverlet and shams create a classic ensemble with antique charm.  The bedspread features a center medallion design with scrollwork and a classic hem finish.  The clean center medallion design on this antique bedspread offers a modern, serene look for your guest room or master suite.  The 100-percent cotton bedspread is soft to the touch and easy to care for!  The pillow shams (sold individually) can be purchased separately.  This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Victoria Antique White King Headboard and Bed Frame $588 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria King Headboard Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 77.75W -Premium King / Cal King 6 Leg Hb Frame Dimensions: 71.5L x 78W

Victoria Antique White Twin Headboard and Bed Frame $341 -Shabby yet chic is all the rage and the Victoria bed is the epitome of this popular style. Surrounded by ornate castings and sweeping scrollwork, the centerpiece of this bed is the lovely filigree oval. The Victoria bed is the best of both worlds, classic antique styling without the lofty antique price. -Victoria Twin Headboard Dimensions: HB: 49.5H x 39.75W -Twin/Full 4 Leg Hb Frame Dimensions: 63.5L x 54W

Chinese $6 Chinese – Lily Allen

Chinese Love Bead in Sterling Silver $25 Sterling silver Chinese love bead. (RC803) Antique finish Compatible with Chamilia, Trollbeads, Zable and Pandora charms and many more adult charm bracelets View entire Pandora Beads compatible collection here

Mercer Antique Brown Queen Complete Bed $1070 -Stunning in the master suite, the mercer bed features a rich antique brown finish intricate and flowing lines and detailed elegant castings. Subtle sleigh silhouette – give the mercer traditional and lasting appeal. -Mercer Bed Set – Queen Dimensions: HB-63.5W x 56.5H x 6.5D; FB-63.5W x 39H x 6.5D

Mercer Antique Brown King Complete Bed $1223 -Stunning in the master suite, the mercer bed features a rich antique brown finish intricate and flowing lines and detailed elegant castings. Subtle sleigh silhouette – give the mercer traditional and lasting appeal. -Mercer Bed Set – King Dimensions: HB-81.5W x 56.5H x 6.5D; FB-81.5W x 39H x 6.5D

Tyler Antique Bronze Full Complete Bed $587 -The Tyler bed is a stately addition to any home. The rich antique bronze finish enhances the flared spindles an intricate posts. The Tyler bed is a grand centerpiece complementing any decor. -Tyler Bed Grills – Full Dimensions: HB 58.25H X 55.5W X 2.25D FB 35.25H X 55.5W X 2.25D -4 Leg Twin/Full Bed Frame Dimensions: 76L x 54W

Tyler Antique Bronze Queen Complete Bed $600 -The Tyler bed is a stately addition to any home. The rich antique bronze finish enhances the flared spindles an intricate posts. The Tyler bed is a grand centerpiece complementing any decor. -Tyler Bed Grills – Queen Dimensions: HB 58.25H X 62.5W X 2.25D FB 35.25H X 62.5W X 2.25D -6 Leg Queen/King Bed Frame Dimensions: 83.5L x 78W

Tyler Antique Bronze King Complete Bed $692 -The Tyler bed is a stately addition to any home. The rich antique bronze finish enhances the flared spindles an intricate posts. The Tyler bed is a grand centerpiece complementing any decor. -Tyler Bed Grills – King Dimensions: HB 58.25H X 78.5W X 2.25D; FB 35.25W X 78.5W X 2.25D -6 Leg Queen/King Bed Frame Dimensions: 83.5L x 78W

Retreat Antique White 4/6 Full Bunk Bed $1050 The Retreat collection features an antique white finish and antique brass hardware for a clean, casual youth bedroom look.

Retreat Antique White 3/3 Twin Bunk Bed $945 The Retreat collection features an antique white finish and antique brass hardware for a clean, casual youth bedroom look.

Retreat Antique White 5/0 Queen Panel Bed $840 The Retreat collection features an antique white finish and antique brass hardware for a clean, casual youth bedroom look.

Retreat Antique White 4/6 Full Panel Bed $682.5 The Retreat collection features an antique white finish and antique brass hardware for a clean, casual youth bedroom look.

Retreat Antique White 3/3 Twin Panel Bed $710.99 The Retreat collection features an antique white finish and antique brass hardware for a clean, casual youth bedroom look.

Landon Antique Walnut Twin Size Panel Bed $339 The Landon Twin Size Panel Bed is finished in a rich “Antique Walnut” and features simple, sleek lines with a decorative “X” design. A versatile and functional piece sure to complement any dcor. Some assembly required; Features: Features simple, sleek lines; Functional and versatile design; Rich “Antique Walnut” Finish; Twin Size Bed; Easily complements any dcor; Material Content: rubberwood & particleboard with ash veneer; Some assembly required; Dimensions: 44-5/8″ x 78-1/4″ x 48″ tall

Antique Chinese Nuptial Happiness Chest $199 Each one-of-a-kind handpainted box is an authentic wedding chest that was once presented by a groom to his bride’s family. Handcrafted of elm wood from the Shanxi area of China 70-90 years ago, it boasts a traditional stylized lion motif that represents virility as well as matrimonial happiness. Each is unique and varies in color and size; please allow us to choose for you. Metal hardware. Approx. 15″-18″L, 12″-14″H, 11″-13″D.

Leighton Antique Brass Full Bed $699 The Leighton Bed combines elements of classical European Baroque architecture with the simplistic style of the Modernist period. Straight-lined spindles are accented with ornamental scalloped castings, and rounded posts are completed with delicate foot castings and finials. The Glazed Brass finish is perfected by patina, complementing the aesthetics of the piece nicely, while still maintaining the gloss of a new brass bed frame. Warm your bedroom space with touches of old and new style with the Leighton Bed.

Generous Death $13.78 As director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, Jenny Cain is privy to the charitable intentions of the town’s wealthiest citizens. There’s eccentric old Arnie Culverson, who’s promised millions to the local art museum. Who’s found there one bright winter morning, neatly tucked into a priceless antique Chinese bed. With pillow and blanket. Dead. Then another dearly beloved donor dies in the night. And the killer leaves behind a nasty rhyme suggesting rich and beautiful Jenny will be next!

Generous Death $13.99 As director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, Jenny Cain is privy to the charitable intentions of the town's wealthiest citizens. There's eccentric old Arnie Culverson, who's promised millions to the local art museum. Who's found there one bright winter morning, neatly tucked into a priceless antique Chinese bed. With pillow and blanket. Dead. Then another dearly beloved donor dies in the night. And the killer leaves behind a nasty rhyme suggesting rich and beautiful Jenny will be next!

Generous Death By Pickard $13.99 As director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, Jenny Cain is privy to the charitable intentions of the town’s wealthiest citizens. There’s eccentric old Arnie Culverson, who’s promised millions to the local art museum. Who’s found there one bright winter morning, neatly tucked into a priceless antique Chinese bed. With pillow and blanket. Dead. Then another dearly beloved donor dies in the night. And the killer leaves behind a nasty rhyme suggesting rich and beautiful Jenny will be next!

Generous Death By Pickard $21.95 As director of the Port Frederick Civic Foundation, Jenny Cain is privy to the charitable intentions of the town’s wealthiest citizens. There’s eccentric old Arnie Culverson, who’s promised millions to the local art museum. Who’s found there one bright winter morning, neatly tucked into a priceless antique Chinese bed. With pillow and blanket. Dead. Then another dearly beloved donor dies in the night. And the killer leaves behind a nasty rhyme suggesting rich and beautiful Jenny will be next!

Mia Dolce $5.6 Regina DeMaio craves one night in the arms of a gorgeous Italian duke to end the famine of her lonely widowhood. But when Sergio Avanti’s tender skills stir Reggie’s ravenous sexual appetite for more of his erotic loving, she eagerly agrees to spend a week with him in his castello in Tuscany, cooking up new delights in his bed. Never before has such desire consumed her. When she discovers the delicious charms of his legendary stamina and the torturous joys of his antique Chinese love balls, his dungeon, rack and chains, she wonders if she can ever do without him.

Starlight Dendrobium Orchid $89.99 The art in nature. Botanists have specially bred orchids to create a unique effect known as “Art Shade”, notable for its interesting color variations. Ours is a bright, tropical yellow tinged with green lower-lip petals, giving it the appearance of fluttering wings. This distinctive Dendrobium orchid will create a charming mini-meadow in any decor. “Art Shade” Dendrobium duo planter filled with exotic Chinese evergreen, covered with a lush bed of green reindeer moss Orchids arrive beautifully blooming Art Shade coloration features tiny, green-tinged, lower-lip petals Embossed-vine enameled metal container in antique brown measuring 7″H x 7″D Plant measures approximately 26″H

Starlight Dendrobium Orchid $89.99 The art in nature. Botanists have specially bred orchids to create a unique effect known as “Art Shade”, notable for its interesting color variations. Ours is a bright, tropical yellow tinged with green lower-lip petals, giving it the appearance of fluttering wings. This distinctive Dendrobium orchid will create a charming mini-meadow in any decor. “Art Shade” Dendrobium duo planter filled with exotic Chinese evergreen, covered with a lush bed of green reindeer moss Orchids arrive beautifully blooming Art Shade coloration features tiny, green-tinged, lower-lip petals Embossed-vine enameled metal container in antique brown measuring 7″H x 7″D Plant measures approximately 26″H