The great Qing Dynasty emperors ordered exquisite artifacts to
satisfy their refined taste and help cultivate a tranquil mind. Now
100 of these national treasures from Beijing's Palace Museum are
showcased at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai.
Yuyuan Garden is under high security alert these days to protect
invaluable cultural artifacts from Beijing's Palace Museum in the
Forbidden City.
Themed "Forbidden City Treasure," more than 100 exquisite Qing
Dynasty (1644-1911) items created for the emperors' delight are on
exhibit at Yuyuan Garden's Tingtao Pavilion.
"Transported in armored vehicles, their journey to Shanghai was
a hurried one without stop," says Du Heping from the management
office of Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden.
This is the first time many have been displayed outside the
Palace Museum.
These national treasures include artifacts of jade, enamel,
ceramics, lacquer, glass, ivory carvings, bamboo ware, gold and
silver. They once were appreciated by the emperors of the Qing
Dynasty, such as Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, all known for
their refined taste.
The reigns of these first three great emperors were a time of
peace for China and a time when the arts flourished.
"Made by imperial order, the artifacts mainly satisfied the
emperors' and the royal families' desire to cultivate a peaceful
mind and inner tranquility, culture, entertainment and a rich
life," Du says. "The three emperors shared something in common,
that is, having a refined mind that pursued perfection. No wonder
the artworks were infused with their love of beauty."
The exhibits include porcelains that demonstrate the highest
level of Chinese porcelain art and drinking glasses made with
shimmering powdered gold. All of the items are small and delicate,
intricately wrought by China's master craftsmen of the time.
One of the highlights is a red peach-shaped box, a treasure of
Emperor Yongzheng. At first glance it may appear to be red lacquer,
but it is actually red coral, exquisitely carved in a design of
nine dragons in the clouds.
The jade on display perfectly reflects the sensibilities of the
Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong's two jade seals were ordered by him
at his 70th and 80th birthdays. Another treasure is a white jade
seal called "Ji En Hall Treasure," expressing the affection between
his grandfather Kangxi and grandson Qianlong.
To hand down Kangxi's love and kindness for generations,
Qianlong wrote two articles, recording the whole story between
them. Then he appointed imperial craftsmen to carve two seals with
the two articles inscribed on each.
"These cultural relics are so precious that the Palace Museum
sent many staff to check on them. Even the slightest deficiency in
any exhibit will be noted down," Du says.
Yuyuan Garden's management office is providing super security.
In addition to infrared rays and sound-sensitive burglar alarms,
more than 10 cameras constantly monitor the entire site.
For visitors, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to
appreciate national treasures first-hand. This is the second time
that treasures from the Palace Museum have been showcased in the
city.
The first exhibition two years ago featured watches and clocks
and fueled the admiration of cultural relics among residents.
"Though China is no longer ruled by emperors, the treasures
feature the flavor of a strong royal culture," Du says.
"Appreciating them is a great way to exalt Chinese culture. Expats
who had only read about these treasures and seen pictures of them
now can see them with their own eyes."
Date: through December 10, 8:30am-5pm
Venue: Tingtao Pavilion, Yuyuan Garden, 218 Anren Rd
Admission: 40 yuan (includes other Yuyuan Garden
attractions)
(Shanghai Daily September 25, 2007)
