Sumalagu
Lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, designed the founding Qing Dynasty's imperial attires
About Sumalagu
Lived 1615 – 1705 (aged 89–90). Sumalagu was a Chinese maid, fashion designer and tutor.
Sumalagu (; originally Sumal, in Manchu ; 1615 – 24 October 1705) was a palace attendant of the Qing dynasty. She was a close confidante of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang during the reign of the Shunzhi Emperor.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang called her "Gege", a title reserved for only imperial princesses.
She acted as the messenger between prince Shizu and his mother during the reign of Dorgon.
Upon the wish of the empress dowager, she escorted empress Borjigit incognito to receive medical treatment by the Jesuit Adam Schall von Bell.
Sumalagu taught the young Kangxi Emperor the Manchu language while he was under her care. She was a supporter of the Kangxi Emperor when he asserted his power against the power base of Oboi in 1667–69.
In 1687, she was given the responsibility of looking after Yuntao, one of Kangxi's sons.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Sumalagu?
lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, designed the founding Qing Dynasty's imperial attires
When was Sumalagu born?
Sumalagu was born in 1615.
When did Sumalagu die?
Sumalagu died in 1705.
What was Sumalagu's occupation?
Sumalagu was a maid, fashion designer and tutor.
What nationality was Sumalagu?
Sumalagu was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sumalagu. https://biography.guide/sumalagu/
MLA: "Sumalagu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sumalagu/.
Chicago: "Sumalagu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sumalagu/.
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