brev

August 4th, 1938
Dr. Otto Burchard
87 Kan Mien Hutung
Peking (China)
Dear Professor Sirén,
My nephew wrote to me today about the I-yüan-chi painting currently on exhibition in Stockholm. I am very pleased that this marvelous picture meets so much with your approval, and the fact that it will likely take considerable time to gather the necessary funds does not trouble me.
In the same letter, he mentioned a proposal of yours suggesting that I should donate the aforementioned painting to the museum, receiving in return a knighthood from the Swedish Government.
I am willing to make a gift of the I-yüan-chi, under the condition that, along with the knighthood, the Swedish Government would grant Swedish citizenship to both me and my wife (making us Swedish subjects, with Swedish passports).
If this arrangement could be made possible, I would be willing to sign a document in advance, giving the painting (I-yüan-chi) to the museum as a gift, which would automatically come into effect once we receive the suggested honor and passports.
In the meantime, I remain, with kindest regards,
Yours most sincerely,
Otto Burchard