Hong Kong Palace Museum | Encountering the Majestic: Portraits of Qing Emperors and Empresses

The ruling family of the Qing dynasty observed the Confucian tradition of filial piety and ancestor veneration. This exhibition brings together commemorative portraits and accompanying sketches of Qing emperors and empresses. These portraits record the likeness, temperament, and exalted status of imperial figures in a dignified, magnificent, and extravagant style. Through decoding and deciphering each work, we provide insights into diverse topics relating to the court portraiture, traditional Chinese painting conservation, as well as court history and culture.

The Xiaosheng Xian Empress in Court Attire
Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 1777
Hanging scroll, ink and colours on silk
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