Qing Dynasty, Reviving Antiquities and Inventing New Styles
The Qing dynasty (1644–1911) was founded by a northeast Asian people who called themselves Manchus. Their history, language, culture, and identity was distinct from the Chinese population, whom they conquered in 1644 when China was weakened by internal rebellions. The Manchus forged alliances with certain Chinese and Mongol groups that aided their conquest of China. […]
Princess Der Ling, A Life Between Worlds
When she was mortally injured by a hit and run driver outside the University of California, Berkeley in November, 1944, the police report gave her name as Mrs. Elizabeth Antoinette White. But on her death certificate, her husband insisted on adding: “Also known as Princess Der Ling.” She died virtually forgotten – we may […]
Discover this 3,000-Year-Old Bronze Masterpiece from the Forbidden City: The Zhou Zha Hu
Sotheby’s is honored to bring The Zhou Zha Hu—a 3,000-year-old bronze vessel and cover—to auction as a highlight of New York’s Chinese Art sale on 18 September. Join Chinese Works of Art Specialist and Senior Researcher, Hang Yin, as he explores this remarkable relic of ancient China’s rich history and craftsmanship. Once part of the […]
Empresses in the Qing Dynasty, 1644-1912
Overview When an empress or any rank of consort (imperial wife) was chosen to enter the palace, she pledged total allegiance to the imperial family and severed ties to her natal family. In effect, she became imperial property. At the same time, she was also highly regarded and could help shape the history of the […]
The Grandeur of the Qing Economy
By Madeleine Zelin At the end of the Ming dynasty, just before the Manchus overthrew the Ming and established the Qing dynasty, China’s economy was in a period of expansion. New markets were being founded, and merchants were extending their businesses across provincial lines and even into the South China Sea. Chinese merchants were already […]
The Garden of Perfect Brightness, part 1
The 3 Great Qing Emperors The Qing emperors (1644 to 1911) formed the last of the successive dynasties of China. As “alien” rulers, the Manchus inherited and adopted the cultural norms and political institutions of the previous Han Chinese Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644), at the same time maintaining their own Northeast Asian military organization, […]