The Treasures of Eight Thousand Years
Ch'ing Dynasty 1644－1911 C.E.
Timeline of Dynasties:
Ch'ing Dynasty 1644－1911 C.E.
Main selection:
Box with overglaze flower and bird design on purple ground, Ta-ya-chai mark
Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Introduction:
The Ch'ing dynasty was the last in the long legacy of Chinese imperial dynasties. Its unprecedented territorial vastness, political stability, economic strength and stable social structure occurred under the reigns of the K'ang-hsi (1662-1722), Yüng-chen (1723-1735) and Ch'ien-lung (1736-1795) emperors. As art and culture was allowed to flourish, magnificent craftsmanship testified to the era's prosperity.
Simultaneously, Western technology was rapidly progressing; and, the exploration of new trade routes propelled European kingdoms to send expeditions to the Far East. Western missionaries provided an additional impetus to the interaction amongst eastern and western cultures, intensifying new energies in Chinese art.
 Jadeite cabbage Ch'ing Dynasty (19th century) |
 Metal vase with peony flowers and coiled dragons in painted enamels Mark and reign period of Yüng-cheng Ch'ing Dynasty (1723-1735) |
 Tzu-t'an treasure box Ch'ing Dynasty, Ch'ien-lung reign (1736-1795) |