Elegance of the Qing at Minhang Museum丨闵行博物馆里的清代风华|乾隆|博物馆|康熙|文物|雍正

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The Qing Dynasty, China’s last feudal dynasty, reached its golden age, shaped jointly by three successive emperors: Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong.

Now, these historical cultural relics have arrived at Minhang Museum. Through 110 exhibits featured in the special exhibition Elegance of the Qing. Let's trace the vivid historical stories.

The exhibition is divided into three themed sections, illustrating Kangxi’s governance and scientific development, Yongzheng’s unique artistic pursuit, and Qianlong’s elegant rituals and pastimes, unfolding the cultural lineage of the three reigns in sequence.

The three rulers built a glorious era across 133 years, yet their artistic tastes stood worlds apart. Kangxi favoured steady, classic grace; Yongzheng cherished quiet, refined craftsmanship; Qianlong loved lavish, stately splendour. Together, they chart the shifting aesthetic trends of the Qing Dynasty.

It also features Imperial Robes and Imperial Jade Seal. These two treasures belonged exclusively to emperors. For example, commoners in ancient times were forbidden from wearing yellow garments or clothes embroidered with dragon patterns.

Xu Di, Director of the Public Education Department of Minhang Museum: You may have seen imperial jade seals of the Qing Dynasty, carved on the jade is the inscription "Treasure of the Emperor".

But this one is different, it reads "Treasure of the Emperor Emeritus". As many of you may know about Emperor Qianlong. He once held the title of Emperor Emeritus. He stands unique in history in terms of reign length, though his nominal reign was not the longest for Emperor Kangxi ruled for 61 years. Qianlong vowed not to reign longer than his grandfather Kangxi. Thus he abdicated the throne after 60 years on it and passed the throne to his son Jiaqing.

Accordingly, he handed over the "Treasure of the Emperor" seal to Jiaqing. Yet to retain full control over state affairs, he ordered the Imperial Household Department to craft the "Treasure of the Emperor Emeritus" seal for himself. Major state affairs still required the stamp of "Treasure of the Emperor Emeritus" to be deemed valid.

Exquisite relics such as enamel, coloured glaze, blue and white porcelain and gold artifacts. Viewing these cultural treasures up close feels like having a dialogue across time.

Visitor Ms Chen shares: The show presents a clear historical timeline. As modern visitors, we feel like traveling back in time. It boasts rich culture and profound history. As someone raised on this Chinese land, I feel immensely fortunate. It stirs my desire to learn more about our history.

The hall uses red, blue and white to recreate elegant Qing vibes. The first floor features cultural and creative products and a mini imperial garden for full immersion.

Xu Di, Director of the Public Education Department of Minhang Museum introduces: We built a multimedia display area at the end of the Bright Moon Hall. The delicate videos are provided by the Palace Museum, creating a wonderful immersive atmosphere. Combining all spaces this time, including the main exhibition hall and auxiliary display areas, the total space exceeds 1,000 square meters.

The exhibition displays 110 sets of exquisite cultural relics, and will run until October 25th. Come and experience the charm of the Qing Dynasty by yourself.

清朝，中国最后一个封建王朝，其最鼎盛的时期由祖孙三代康熙、雍正、乾隆共同打造。现在，这些200多年前的历史文物来到了上海闵行博物馆，透过“清韵——康雍乾时期文物特展”特展的110件展品，一起感受其中的历史故事。

本次特展分三大板块，依次展现康熙治国兴科、雍正独特艺文追求、乾隆日常节庆雅事，循序呈现三朝文化脉络。

三位帝王用133年的时间创造辉煌功勋，有意思的是他们的品味各有不同。从康熙的沉稳中正，雍正的清雅精妙，到乾隆的雍容华贵，更迭出一部鲜活的清代审美进化史。

展览中还有龙袍和玉玺，这两样物品是绝对的帝王专属。比如龙袍，在古时候普通人不能穿黄色，也不可以穿与龙相关的刺绣服饰。

闵行区博物馆宣教部主任徐迪向大家介绍：“大家可能见过清代的玉玺，上面写的是‘皇帝之宝’，但这个不是，这个是‘太上皇帝之宝’。了解乾隆的知道，他做过太上皇，因为他说在位时间不能超过康熙（康熙61年），所以60年的时候退位了，然后就给了嘉庆，把‘皇帝之宝’也给了嘉庆。但是他为了继续掌控权力，所以他又让内务府给他制造了‘太上皇帝之宝’，大事情还是需要“太上皇帝之宝”印上去才可以。”