Painting by Ci Xi, the Empress Dowager of the Chinese Qing Dynasty. It is said most of the paintings sealed with her name were not actually by her. She loved painting and calligraphy, and used to reward her officials with paintings as a display of favor and to win people’s support. [Photo/Xinhua]

For 47 years from 1861 to 1908, she ruled China. Her power was envied, and in the seemingly unshakable tradition of male rule, Ci Xi was legendary, variously described as a combination of ambition, beauty and cold-blooded cunning.

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