Portrait exhibition brings ancient Chinese literati to life

By Zhu Bochen: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, June 11, 2022

A portrait of the Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) sitting in a study. The Kangxi Emperor was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and the longest reigning emperor in Chinese history. He ascended the throne in 1662 when he was only 8 years old, gained de facto power at 14 and reigned for 61 years until 1722. [Photo by Zhu Bochen/China.org.cn]

Editor's note: A collection of over 50 Chinese portrait paintings from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing dynasty (1644-1911) are currently on display at the National Museum of China in Beijing. The paintings depict various figures, including members of the imperial family, notable officials, literati and ladies in formal costume.

The exhibition offers the public a glimpse into the daily lives, spiritual pursuits, beliefs and aesthetic tastes of people from different social classes during the two dynasties, and brings visitors closer to the politics and etiquette of the times.

As this year's national Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, which falls on June 11, approaches, China.org.cn presents some of the portraits being exhibited and the stories they tell.