A pair of Chinese silk embroidered dragon robes, early 20th century.

A pair of Chinese silk embroidered dragon robes, early 20th century. Each decorated with dragons chasing the flaming pearl, clouds, birds and flowers, length 134cm. (2)Provenance: From the estate of William Arthur Blackburn Leach.DOB: 2nd Jan 1872.Leach was born in Norwich where he attended a local grammar school, later becoming an apprentice carpenter and engineer. In 1902 after he had qualified, he went to China where he obtained a position in the Public Works Department of the Shanghai Municipal Council. He spent his working life in Shanghai until he left in 1926.During his time in China he held interests in a Christian Mission school and helped to support street children.He seized every opportunity to visit other parts of China and took thousands of photographs. He purchased widely on his travels, particularly woodcarvings, bronzes, traditional kimonos, paintings and porcelain. He treasured silver items and bought much to take home. He travelled home at least four times during his stay in China and these return visits were round-the-world trips in which he travelled through and visited Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Egypt and The Holy Land, the Far East, Canada and USA.On his return to the UK he lived in Northampton where he was a lay preacher and a local councillor. He gave a great many talks on his experiences in China and the many other Countries he had visited.He died in 1962.Some embroidery fraying on the sleeve and neck. No visible tears or rips. Please view extra images.