The Forbidden City Collection is one of the most famous collections of Chinese art and artifacts. It is a treasure trove of over one million objects from the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China. The collection is housed in the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Chinese emperors, and is one of the most visited attractions in Beijing.
The Forbidden City Collection is divided into two main categories: the Imperial Collection and the National Collection. The Imperial Collection is made up of artifacts and artwork that were collected by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty and is one of the most comprehensive collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The National Collection is made up of items that were donated to the Forbidden City by individuals, institutions, and organizations from around the world.
Imperial Collection
The Imperial Collection includes more than 800,000 objects, including paintings, calligraphy, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, and other artifacts. Many of these pieces were created during the Qing Dynasty, and some date back to the Ming Dynasty. The collection is divided into three categories: paintings and calligraphy, furniture and furnishings, and miscellaneous artifacts.
Paintings and Calligraphy
The Imperial Collection includes more than 25,000 paintings and calligraphy works, including works by some of the most renowned Chinese artists of the Qing Dynasty. Many of the works are portraits of the emperors, their families, and court officials, as well as scenes of court life. Other works depict landscapes, religious scenes, and folk tales.
Furniture and Furnishings
The Imperial Collection includes more than 20,000 pieces of furniture and furnishings, including chairs, tables, cabinets, beds, and other pieces. Many of these pieces were used in the imperial palaces and were crafted with intricate designs and inlaid with precious stones and metals. The collection also includes an impressive collection of lacquerware, which were popular during the Qing Dynasty.
Miscellaneous Artifacts
The Imperial Collection also includes more than 500,000 miscellaneous artifacts, including ceramics, jade, bronze, and other artifacts. These items were used in everyday life and range from utilitarian objects such as cooking utensils to religious and ritual objects. Many of these items were made using techniques that have been passed down for centuries.
National Collection
The National Collection is made up of artifacts and artwork that were donated to the Forbidden City by individuals, institutions, and organizations from around the world. This collection includes more than 200,000 objects, including paintings, calligraphy, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, bronzes, and other artifacts. Many of these pieces are unique works of art, and some are rare and valuable artifacts.
Paintings and Calligraphy
The National Collection includes more than 8,000 paintings and calligraphy works, including works by some of the most renowned Chinese artists of the Qing Dynasty and other periods. The collection includes a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, and includes portraits, landscapes, religious scenes, and folk tales.
Furniture and Furnishings
The National Collection includes more than 5,000 pieces of furniture and furnishings, including chairs, tables, cabinets, beds, and other pieces. Many of these pieces are intricately designed and inlaid with precious stones and metals. The collection also includes a wide range of lacquerware, which were popular during the Qing Dynasty.
Miscellaneous Artifacts
The National Collection also includes more than 150,000 miscellaneous artifacts, including ceramics, jade, bronze, and other artifacts. These items were used in everyday life and range from utilitarian objects such as cooking utensils to religious and ritual objects. Many of these items were made using techniques that have been passed down for centuries.
The Forbidden City Collection is a fascinating collection of Chinese art and artifacts. It is a treasure trove of over one million objects from the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China. The collection is divided into two main categories: the Imperial Collection and the National Collection. The Imperial Collection is made up of artifacts and artwork that were collected by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, while the National Collection includes items that were donated to the Forbidden City by individuals, institutions, and organizations from around the world. Both collections are a testament to the beauty and sophistication of Chinese culture and are sure to delight and inspire visitors.
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