The history of imperial collecting in China is very long. From documentation in Shih-chi (Records of the Grand Historian), we learn that Emperor Wu-ti of the Western Han established a "library" for the imperial collection of painting and calligraphy that also included "ancient bronze vessels". Much later, the Ch'ing dynasty imperial art collection was vast and rich, its roots extending back over the previous centuries. The scale of the variety and quality of the contents can be discerned from the holdings of the National Palace Museum, upon which it is based. With the origins of artifacts in the Museum collection coming from far and wide, only a few major ones can be investigated and displayed here.
       
First of all, the Manchu conquered China and unseated the Ming imperial court, establishing their Ch'ing dynasty. Therefore, much of the Ming imperial collection was transferred to the Ch'ing court, forming the foundation of the Ch'ing imperial collection. In addition, throughout imperial history, workshops were often established within the palaces for the purpose of manufacturing wares exclusively for the court. Building upon this tradition, the Palace Workshop was established in the Ch'ing dynasty reign of Emperor K'ang-hsi. The following emperors Yung-cheng and Ch'ien-lung also had their own taste in art and objects of daily life, thereby encouraging them to pay further attention to the operations of the Palace Workshop, ensuring the production of fine imperial works and gradually increasing the scope of the imperial collection.
       
When the emperor and his clan celebrated birthdays and festivals, or went on inspection tours, craftsmen and officials would often offer tribute, and gifts in the form of paintings, calligraphic works, or scholarly objects were especially appreciated. Such presents therefore form another source contributing to the imperial art collection. In addition, with the arrival of Western missionaries and formation of diplomatic relations with neighboring states, a considerable number of exotic art objects were brought as tribute to the Ch'ing court. Such diplomatic gifts and offerings are also marked by strong political undertones, often reflecting national identity in addition to their preciousness.