Introduction
The Ch'ing was the last in the long legacy of Chinese imperial dynasties. Its territorial vastness, politics, economy, and social structure reached unprecedented heights, especially during the reigns of the early to middle Ch'ing emperors K'ang-hsi (1662-1722), Yung-cheng (1723-1735), and Ch'ien-lung (1736-1795). Not only was the political scene in a state of exceptional calm, but arts and culture also saw improvements and innovations like never before. These three reigns were truly an age of peace and prosperity.
As opposed to the late Ming, from the late 17th
century onwards, the product economy of the common market and the private collections that they produced gradually infiltrated the households of officials and wealthy merchants, eventually trickling into the imperial household after the establishment of the Ch'ing dynasty. As soon as he ascended the throne, the K'ang-hsi Emperor established the Imperial Household Workshop in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where myriad vessels were manufactured for imperial use. The institution and its arrangement persisted through the reigns of emperors Yung-cheng and Ch'ien-lung. According to relevant historical sources, the imperial workshop systematically governed by the court rendered possible the formulation of a clear, standardized scheme of production. This included the design, model production, and presentation after completion, the emperor having the ultimate say in deciding where to display or store the pieces. His imperial orders were heeded and implemented without delay. Apart from the inner court, silk textile workshops were established in Soochow, Hangchow, and Kiangning to create an extensive production network.
Occurring at the same time was the rapid progress in Western technology and civilization of the late 17th
century to the 18th century. The exploration of new trading routes and a unified world view propelled European kingdoms to send expeditions to this mysterious empire of old. Christian missionaries equipped with talent and expertise in many different fields arrived in China, introducing scientific instruments and exotic treasures to the early and middle Ch'ing imperial court, such as cuckoo clocks and telescopes. Some even participated in the production and creation of art, having both a direct and indirect influence on the promotion of Sino-Western interaction and the commingling of Chinese and Western styles in art. No matter in the form of a subtle undercurrent or an obvious force, the import of elements of European culture into China served to cultivate a lively exchange between the best of both worlds, East and West. Japanese export items intended to satisfy the European market for Asian goods, such as "maki-e" lacquerware and Imari porcelains, also made their way into the Ch'ing court, serving as testimony to indirect exchange with another Asian country.
As opposed to the cultural side of the Ch'ien-lung Emperor, he was also a very successful military leader. He expanded the power and influence of the Ch'ing dynasty into surrounding regions, thereby promoting cultural exchange between the Ch'ing court and other states. As reflected in the arts, one finds various works from Sinkiang, Tibet, and northern India. The regional and exotic techniques and decorations add another facet to the pluralistic air of arts and crafts in this age of prosperity. |
