Discovery of Thousand-Year-Old Relics of Tang Dynasty Palace (Chinese History)

 

Wow! Check out these photos (in link below) of the thousand-year-old relics of the ancient Huaqing Palace (Huaqinggong) of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The newly-unearthed constructions were centered around "Chaoyuan Pavilion" (Chaoyuange). It was used to enshrine and worship Laozi, an ancient philosopher and the founder of Taoism. It has also witnessed the Tang empire's heyday and decadence. Emperor Xuanzong even spent months here every year since 742 A.D., after the empire had remained in peace and prosperity for decades.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-09-28/Thousand-year-old-relics-of-Tang-Dynasty-palace-unearthed-in-NW-China-U9tKyJcOFq/index.html

Recently Added Item for Dec 2020

 

Description:

A fine, old Yue ware water/wine container.

Height: 33cm

To view our catalogue, please visit www.emperorsantique.com. Cheers and hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Cixi, China's Controversial Concubine who Became Queen (Chinese History)

 

Great read about the the life of the controversial concubine, Cixi, who rose to power and became queen. Enjoy!

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2016/11-12/profiles-china-empress-dowager-cixi-emperor-guangxu/

Emperor Yongle, Zheng He, and the Great Voyages of China (Chinese History)

 

Enjoyed this article by The Great Courses Daily highlighting the events that unfolded under Emperor Yongle's reign during the Ming Dynasty.

Key highlights:

1. The mandate of heaven and its significance.
2. The story of Zheng He.
3. The voyages of Zheng He and how China benefited from these voyages.
   

Enjoy!


https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/ming-dynasty-zheng-he-and-the-great-voyages-of-china/

China's Most Learned and Cultured Emperor (Chinese History)

 

Given his ability to read and write by the age of 5 and the long hours he devoted to studying throughout his life, it's no surprise that Emperor Kangxi was regarded as the most learned and cultured emperor in Chinese history.

I must admit I was surprised to learn that his openness for learning was partially influenced by the Western culture. Anyway, I hope you find this short documentary on Emperor Kangxi as inspiring as I did! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh3WL_NZyho

Did You Know About The Han Dynasty's Great Wall? (Chinese History)

 

An insightful documentary of the Han Dynasty's own Great Wall! Apparently, the Ming Dynasty's wall was simply built right on top of it 1,500 years later. The wall was estimated to have stood at up to 20 feet high when it was first built more than 2,000 years ago😮

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHcfv9kbl9U

Recently Added Items for Nov 2020 (A Jizhou Ewer and A Copper Incense Burner)

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you a quick update of the items we recently added to our catalogue.

A Song-Style Jizhou Ewer with a Rooster Spout and Dragon Handle.
Height: 32cm

A Copper Incense Burner with Detailed Carvings of a Dragon and Phoenix on the Lid, Bats as Legs and Bat Motifs at the Upper Rim. The Handles are Represented by Two Mystical Creatures.
Ming Dynasty Mark and Period.
Height: 10cm

To view our catalogue, please visit www.emperorsantique.com.

An Animated Documentary of Genghis Khan and The Mongols (History)

 

Just thought I'd share this insightful animated documentary of the history of Mongolia:) I liked that they talked about the Mongols by examining 3 broad questions:

1. How did the Eurasian Steppes of the Mongolian homeland lend itself to so many nomadic empires, wrecking havoc in the world?

2. How did Genghis Khan change the way life operated on the Steppes?

3. How were the Mongols different from all the other empires that came before them? Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5kpplGMS4

The Story of Tea (Chinese History)

 

Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. But did you know that tea was originally eaten as a vegetable and cooked with green porridge 6,000 years ago? It was only consumed as a beverage (aka matcha) 1,500 years ago. What I found rather interesting is this... 1. Tea actually sold for 10 times the price of coffee in Europe in 1700. 2. The Opium War was started all because of tea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaLvVc1sS20

The Rise and Fall of The Yuan Dynasty (Chinese History)

 

The rise and fall of the Mongol empire has always been a fascinating one to me. This short documentary (in link below) by TedEd shows how the Mongols rose to power under the brilliant leadership of Genghis Khan, but crumbled when his grandsons went to war with each other over inheritance. This in turn, fragmented the realm into 4 separate empires. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUVvTqvjUaM

The History of Emperor Shun Zhi and The Fall of The Ming Dynasty (Chinese History)

 

Enjoyed this informative documentary (in link below) about the life of Emperor Shunzhi and the fall of the Ming Dynasty. What I learnt about Emperor Shunzhi: 1. Shunzhi became the emperor of all China at the tender age of 6 but was only able to rule as the Son of Heaven at the age of Heaven when his half uncle, Dor Gon was killed in a hunting accident. 2. He invited the 5th Dalai Lama living in Lhassa for a state visit in Beijing in order to gain greater influence. 3. He was responsible for the construction of the White Pagoda, which was built to honour the Dalai Lama. 4. German Jesuit missionary and astronomer, Johann Adam Schall von Bell developed a personal relationship with Shunzhi, and the emperor even turned to him for guidance. 5. He embraced many aspects of this Chinese culture like opera, theatre and calligraphy. 6. He contracted small pox and died a few days later at the age of 22. 7. His will was likely modified by 4 Manchu nobles and his mother, the Empress Dowager. 8. He was the third Manchu emperor but the first to govern from a throne in Beijing using a brush. 9. His third son, a 7 year old became the next emperor and ruled under the name of Kangxi. 10. Kangxi became the greatest emperor of the Qing Dynasty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iZJYwLAbBc&list=RDCMUCLY-NCXA2dQKyEVKDZ7quHw&index=28

Happy 600th Birthday To The Forbidden City! (Chinese History)

Wow! The Forbidden City just turned 600😍 The fact that it's still standing after 6 centuries of fires, wars and power struggles is nothing short of a miracle. Some interesting facts about this ancient wonder:

1. To combat the risk of fire, hundreds of metal vats were placed around the palace to collect water and early lightning conductors were built onto higher roofs.

2. Due to regular fires, as well as earthquakes, over the centuries, almost all of the buildings of the Forbidden City are later reconstructions of the originals. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, for instance, has been rebuilt seven times since its first construction!

3. The palace walls and supporting columns were washed with red clay from Shandong province; again, a color associated with the emperor, who wrote his edicts in red ink.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/forbidden-city-china-architecture-600-years/index.html

The Three Kingdoms (Chinese History)

 

While The Three Kingdoms was was romanticized in a legendary book 'The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it was an actual historical period in Chinese history. There was no single 'winner' during this period of destruction and fighting. This period was brought to an end around 280 BCE when the Court of Jin forced the surrender of Wu Kingdom’s leader Sun Hao.

https://www.thegreatcoursesdaily.com/three-kingdoms-period/

Recently Added Items for Oct 2020 (Green Ewer, Green Granary Pot and 6-Window Famille Rose Vase)

 Hi everyone!

Just wanted to give you a quick update on the items recently added to our catalogue. For more details, please visit www.emperorsantique.com.

A Green Ewer with Han-Style Features
Height: 43cm

A Han-Style Green Pot Featuring a Man Storing Rice into a Granary
Height: 36.5cm

A Famille Rose Vase in Yellow Background Decorated with Flowers, Featuring 6 Windows with Birds and Mountain Landscape.
Height: 31cm

Amazing New Discovery About The Silk Road and China - Europe Maritime Ceramic Trade! (Chinese History)

 

Wow! It turns out the China-Europe maritime ceramic trade is even older than we thought....500 years to be exact😮

The research findings, jointly published by China's Palace Museum and Durham University reported that Chinese ceramic sherds dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties (9th to 11th centuries AD) recovered in Spain proved that trade links already existed between China and Western Europe along the Maritime Silk Road at that time.

The joint research also concluded that China's maritime trade developed quickly from the Tang to Yuan dynasties (9th to 13th centuries AD). Have any of you ever visited the Silk Road before? If it's a yes, what did you like best about it?

https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2019/03/china-europe-maritime-ceramic-trade-500.html

Interesting Facts about The Famille Rose (Qing Dynasty)

 Came across an interesting article (in link below)   highlighting the history of famille rose. My 3 key   takeaways:

1. The best quality famille-rose export wares date from the YongZheng period (1723-1735).

2. Famille rose wares reached their zenith during the Yong Zheng reign, replacing the famille verte of the Kangxi reign and becoming the dominate palette in overglaze decoration.

3. In the Qianlong reign it acquired the name yangcai (foreign colors), possible since this new decorative technique used many imported materials, and its method of mixing pigments was also 'foreign'.

My personal favourite ware is the falangcai. What's yours?

http://gotheborg.com/glossary/famillerose.shtml

The Secrets To The Complex Process of Making Yixing Teapots Revealed! (Chinese Culture)

 

Glad I stumbled across this insightful documentary highlighting in detail the complex process of making Yixing teapots. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/VxeNfIrvwYY

A Commanding Vision of Qing Dynasty Power (Chinese History)

 

It's no secret that the court robes made for Chinese emperors were extravagant and expansively decorated. However, given their exposure to the West, I'm not surprised that certain works produced during the Qing Dynasty mirrored that of Western court painters such as Guiseppe Castiglione from Italy.

https://youtu.be/jO77wxfQ6SM

Informative Video about Ming Blue and White Porcelain by The British Museum (Ming Dynasty)

 

Just thought I'd share this great introductory video of Ming dynasty porcelain by Jessica Harrison-Hall from the British Museum - namely from the Hongwu Period, Yongle Period, mid 15th Century and the export market.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwvRXJd22oI

A Large and Extremely Rare Cloisonne Jar Made for Xuande Emperor (Ming Dynasty)

 

Check out this large, and extremely rare Cloisonne jar made for Xuande emperor of the Ming Dynasty! Apparently, it's one of only two in the world and represents the finest craftsmanship for objects made for the imperial court.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9lDrYWcn_0

What are Song Ceramics? (Chinese History)

 

Good introduction to ceramics from the Song Dynasty by Robert D. Mowry, Senior Consultant at Christie’s in New York. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdctHcJWz4E

How The Chinese Civilization Began (Shang and Zhou Dynasties)

 Just thought I'd share this short, informative documentary about the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. My key takeaways:

1. The Shang dynasty built the oldest nation state in Asia.

2. It left behind a fully formed writing sysytem (aka oracle bone inscription).

3. The Western Zhou dynasty (1046BC - 771BC) ruled from twin capital cities of Feng Hao.

4. The capital was moved to Luo Yang during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, which was split into the Spring & Autumn Period and Warring States Period.

5. Despite violence and chaos, it was also an age of profound philosophical thought - namely Taoism, Confucianism, Legalism and The Art of War.

6. All Warring states were unified by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in 221BC under the Qin Dynasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RrAoL_PVmo

A Huge, Magnificent Wooden Guan Yin Statue Holding a Ruyi Scepter.

 

                   A huge, magnificent wooden Guan Yin statue holding a Ruyi scepter. 

                                                             Height: 60cm

Please visit www.emperorsantique.com to view our catalogue.

How The Tang Dynasty Successfully Dominated East and Central Asia (Chinese History)

 

Short, insightful documentary on how the TangDynasty managed to dominate East and Central Asia! My key takeaways:

1. The Silk Road (named after the silk in China) was key in linking China to Central Asia, Middle East, Europe and North Africa. 

2. Tang artisans were responsible for developing the art of porcelain finishing. 

3. Porcelain became a Chinese brand.

4. Quote by Emperor Taizong - People are like water and the ruler is like a boat. The boat may float easily or may be submerged by water. 

The History and 6-Step Process of Making Cloisonne Revealed (History)

Just thought I'd share this brief, insightful documentary highlighting the nearly 1000-year old history and 6-step process behind the making of the magnificent cloisonne. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1NLJw5kfgQ

How Dinnerware For Restaurants Are Made (Ceramic)

While making ceramic dinnerware (that is restaurant quality) may not be any where as tedious as handmade ceramic pieces, this video clearly illustrates the entire process from scratch, which takes approximately 24 hours. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfv2TPxf-gg

Inside The Chinese Emperor's Harem - A Blessing or a Curse? (Chinese History)

While it's no surprise that all ladies who became wives, consorts and concubines to the Chinese Emperor had to go through a vigorous vetting process, I had no idea one of it included sleeping in the same bed as the emperor's mother! Apparently, this was to check for flaws like snoring and sleepwalking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-Ddi9geMQ

Interesting Facts About Emperor Kangxi (Qing Dynasty)

Despite being Emperor Qianlong's grandfather, there doesn't seem to be as much information about Emperor Kangxi. I was pleasantly surprised to have stumbled across this informative documentary on him. Some quick facts about Kangxi:

1. 4th emperor from the Qing Dynasty.

2. Longest reigning monarch in Chinese history.

3. First Manchu ruler to be born in Beijing.

4. Became emperor at the tender age of 7.

5. Educated by his grandmother.

6. Allowed Europeans to increase their economic activities in several ports in the South, such as Guangzhou. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoGLhehDdgM

Emperor Qianlong's Mysterious Attraction Towards Ancient Bronze Mirrors (Qing Dynasty)

Interesting documentary highlighting the numerous items collected by Emperor Qianlong. What I found most fascinating was the theory surrounding the emperor's affinity for ancient bronze mirrors, also called Shenwu (divine things). It was believed that ancient relics granted their owners rule over the past and present. The mirror's reflections were thought to generate direct links to ancestors and their power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPF-M1IwC9M

8 Less-Known Facts about Empress Dowager Cixi (Qing Dynasty)

It's common knowledge that the DragonLady who effectively ruled China during the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) for nearly five decades led an extravagant lifestyle. Here are the lesser-known facts about EmpressDowagerCixi:

1. She had her own exclusive railway in the royal park.

2. She was served 120 dishes at each meal.

3. She had her own exclusive kitchen built within the Forbidden City, known as the “Western Kitchen”. It was subdivided into five areas – the meat section, 
vegetarian section, rice, bun and noodle section, snack section and pastry section.

4. She would eat only two or three bites of some of the dishes because of fears that would be poisoned.

5. She did not consume 'more than 150,000 apples' each year. She smelled them instead.

6. Her dogs were served by their own eunuchs.

7. The imperial palace also prepared a large number of clothes for the dogs to wear each year.

8. She was buried with jewellery and other luxury items worth about 1.2 million taels of silver. The various activities held to mark her death included the burning of a giant funeral boat on August 30, 1909.

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2119973/woman-who-ruled-china-what-you-didnt-know-about

A Foreigner's Story and Adventure in The Porcelain Capital, Jingdezhen (China)

Wow! I must admit this is the first video I've seen where the narrator, Daniel, not only brings us on a journey of making Chinese ceramics in Jingdezhen, but also participated in the entire process! Kudos to Daniel for being such a good sport and taking the time to share his experience with us!



https://youtu.be/1RadZYqdb2c

The Roles of Chinese Empresses Explored (Qing Dynasty)

This documentary, albeit short, covered an exhibition which took 4 years in the making. It explored the various roles of Chinese empresses during the Qing dynasty. On display were a variety of objects including portraits, jewelry, garments, Buddhist sculptures and decorative artworks.

Key takeaways:

1. Many of the best things were not only reserved for the emperor, but also for the empress and empress dowager.

2. As the 'Mother of the Empire', they were role models within the imperial family.

3. They had the right to voice their opinion and make suggestions to the emperor.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnB1WloDmoI