Johan Wilhelm Normann Munthe
| Johann Wilhelm Normann Munthe | |
|---|---|
 Photo published in 1934. | |
| Born |
27 July 1864 Bergen, Norway |
| Died |
13 May 1935 (aged 70) Beijing, China |
| Allegiance | China |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars |
First Sino-Japanese War Boxer Rebellion Xinhai Revolution |
Johann Wilhelm Normann Munthe (27 July 1864 – 13 May 1935) was born in Bergen, Norway. After a military education in the cavalry, he emigrated to China in 1886, and started working as a customs officer. He enlisted in the Chinese army in the war against Japan (1894–95), and remained as a cavalry instructor under general Yuan Shikai.[1]
Johann Munthe's association with Yuan Shikai proved advantageous, and he advanced in rank to lieutenant general and advisor to the Ministry of War; the first and only foreigner to achieve such a position.[1]
General Munthe was an avid collector of Chinese works of arts, and his collection includes porcelain, paintings, costumes, and statues in bronze and marble. The collection now resides with the Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum.[2][1]
General Munthe was the stepfather of Sir Alexander Grantham, Governor of Hong Kong from 1947 to 1957.
References
- 1 2 3 Huitfeldt, Johanne. "Johan Munthe". In Helle, Knut. Norsk biografisk leksikon (in Norwegian). Oslo: Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ Rolleiv Solholm (17 December 2012). "Ancient Chinese art returned to country of origin". The Norway Post. NRK. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
External links
- "Kinasamlingen". KODE Kunstmuseene i Bergen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 20 December 2013.