Inside the Palace Museum in Beijing, China, over 1.8 million artifacts from various dynasties are currently preserved and displayed.
The museum is located within the Forbidden City and was established in October 1925, showcasing countless invaluable artifacts related to Chinese dynasties, including offerings from neighboring countries and royal treasures.
The gemstone-inlaid cup crafted during the Qing Dynasty.
The Jin Ou Yong Gu Cup was crafted during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is considered a representative artifact of the Palace Museum. The cup measures approximately 12.5 cm in length and 8 cm in diameter, made from gold inlaid with pearls and diamonds.
This artifact was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong. The inscription “Jin Ou Yong Gu” carved on the cup serves as a blessing for the longevity of the Qing Dynasty. Around the rim of the cup, there are patterns symbolizing wealth. This item was regarded by later Qing emperors as a precious heirloom of their ancestors and was often used during the first writing ceremony at the beginning of the New Year.
This is a work by master carver Zhang Cheng from the Yuan Dynasty.
Cloud Pattern Plate (Yunwen Pan). This is regarded as a treasure representing the lacquer carving art of the Palace Museum, crafted by master carver Zhang Cheng of the Yuan Dynasty.
The plate has a diameter of 19.2 cm and a height of 3.3 cm, with both the inside and outside intricately carved with cloud motifs, featuring a sharp and thick black lacquer finish. It is known that lacquer sculptures by Zhang Cheng are regarded as treasures.
Bronze incense burner glazed during the Yuan Dynasty.
Bronze Incense Burner is decorated with lotus flower patterns and features handles shaped like ivory. This artifact was crafted during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), measuring 13.9 cm in height, with a mouth diameter of 16 cm and a foot diameter of 13.5 cm.
The incense burner is made from a bronze blank and is circular. The neck is glazed in light blue and adorned with 12 colorful chrysanthemum flowers, while the body is covered in a blue glaze with six lotus patterns. Experts believe this treasure exhibits harmonious colors and is a masterpiece of blue-and-white porcelain art.
The painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” (translated as: “Scenes by the River on Qingming Festival”) is housed in the Palace Museum and is considered one of the ten most representative paintings of Chinese art.
A section of the painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival.” (Photo: China People).
This work was created by Zhang Zeduan, painted on a long scroll measuring over 5 meters with dimensions of 24.8 cm x 528.7 cm, depicting 814 characters, 20 vehicles, 60 animals, and 170 trees. The painting meticulously illustrates the daily life of people along the river during the Song Dynasty. This area is believed to be the ancient capital Bianjing (now Kaifeng city in Henan Province).
The jade seal made from marble from the Song Dynasty.
Jade Seal of the Song Dynasty is made from marble. The top of the seal is carved in the shape of a dragon, with additional cloud and wave motifs. During the Qing Dynasty, the underside of the jade seal was engraved with a poem by Emperor Qianlong.
This is a representative artifact of the antique clock collection in the Palace Museum.
The Longevity Palace Clock is designed in the style of a multi-tiered pavilion with gilded decorations. This is a representative piece of the antique clock collection in the Palace Museum. The artifact stands 185 cm tall and consists of seven distinct mechanical systems for time regulation.
It is known that before the 17th century, Chinese dynasties used hourglasses to measure time. However, in the 8th year of Qianlong’s reign, the emperor requested a mechanical clock design. The craftsmen took 14 years to complete it. This artifact is regarded as the most advanced mechanical clock of its time.
The Palace Museum, located within the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is one of the most visited museums. It showcases over 1.8 million artifacts collected from various Chinese dynasties, holding immense historical value.
In addition to the invaluable treasures, visitors also have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture of the buildings inside. These feature golden roofs combined with red walls, reflecting the royal decoration style of China.
