An early usage According to City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City page 63 Sir Claude McDonald said the following in early 1898 saving face a very important consideration with Chinese He seemed to be speculating on a possible reason for the Chinese wanting to retain jurisdiction in Kowloon Walled City Not sure if this is an early enough usage to be included but there it is if someone more knowledgeable about this subject feels it s notable