The World's Largest Palace Complex (Chinese History)

Did you know that the world’s largest palace complex is big enough to hold 50 Buckingham Palaces and covers more than 7.75 million square feet😮

The Forbidden City’s name in Chinese, Zijincheng, literally means 'purple forbidden city?' The color purple is considered auspicious in Chinese culture and symbolizes divinity and immortality, as well as the North Star.

The Forbidden City would be the home and seat of power for 24 rulers—14 from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and 10 from the Qing (1644-1911).

Read on to learn more about this grand, historical site.



https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/emperors-ruled-from-chinas-forbidden-city-for-nearly-5-centuries

Chinese Ceramics and Trade (Chinese History)

 

Just wanted to share this informative documentary which explores the origins of porcelain in the 10th century, the explosion in trade between Europe and China of porcelain from the 17th century, and how European manufacturers began imitating Chinese porcelain from the late 18th century.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBKxT9Zhtg8&t=403s

The History of Chinese Jade (Chinese Art and Culture)

Interesting video highlighting how jade was discovered during China's Stone Age and explains the history and journey it's taken to become so popular in Chinese art and culture.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Js0cdcKr44

Imperial Treasures (Taiwan)

 

Insightful documentary about Chinese history and culture. The documentary briefly mentioned Kublai Khan, Emperor Xuande, Yongle and Kangxi, but spoke at length about Emperor Qianlong. 

Given his great love for Chinese ceramics and art, I'm not surprised that the National Palace Museum's collection was essentially from Emperor Qianlong's era.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeKBI-85RcY

Fencai Porcelain (Chinese History)

 

Brief video detailing the history of Fencai (aka famille rose) porcelain during the Qing dynasty. 

Enjoy!

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

Emperor Yongzheng's Dragon Vase Leads In Auction (Tang Sancai)

 

Good to know that there's still a healthy appetite for Chinese ceramics in Hong Kong😅 Poly Auction Hong Kong recently wrapped up their 10th anniversary celebration with a series of four Chinese works of art sales.

A sale dedicated to Tang (618-907) Sancai ceramics from The Ten-views Lingbi Rock Retreat Collection turned out to be the most impressive. With an unexpectedly fervent bidding atmosphere, the 56 lots sold achieved a sale total of over HK$50 million! https://en.thevalue.com/articles/poly-auction-hong-kong-10th-anniversary-chinese-workds-of-art-porcelains-2022?fbclid=IwAR3cwx2dRl52X0CC3Gd8iLkeguSkw9ZhJi59mWVFcOFPUlEWifERg41A9XU

Our Most Recently Added Item - July 2022

Description

An old, beautiful ink block with carvings of a poem, dragon and scholar.
Length: 29cm.
Width: 25cm.
Height: 3cm.

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