Home decor that only an empress could set her eyes on, at least till now. From the exhibition “Empresses of China’s Forbidden City”. Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing.

Seal of empress with a double-headed dragon. Republican period. 1922.
Seal of empress with a double-headed dragon. Republican period. 1922. Gold alloy with silk tassels. Imperial workshops, Beijing. ©The Palace Museum. Fair use license. via https://www.providencejournal.com/entertainmentlife/20181227/peabody-essex-museum-explores-history-of-three-women-who-ruled-china
Stupa containing Empress Dowager Chongqing’s hair and Amitayus Buddha. 1777, Qianlong period.
Stupa containing Empress Dowager Chongqing’s hair and Amitayus Buddha. 1777, Qianlong period. Gold and silver alloy with coral and other precious and semi precious stones. Imperial workshops, Beijing. Palace Museum, Gu11866. © The Palace Museum. Fair use license. via http://www.alaintruong.com/archives/2018/08/18/36637303.html
Ewer with lady and boy in garden on two sides.
Ewer with lady and boy in garden on two sides. Probably 1760’s-1770’s. Probably made in Beijing. Qianlong period. Cloisonné and painted enamel, copper and gold alloy with enamel and precious and semi precious stones. Palace Museum, Gu11450. © The Palace Museum. Fair use license. via https://www.antiquesandthearts.com/empresses-of-chinas-forbidden-city-1644-1912/
Ewer with dragons and clouds. 1736-1795. Qianlong period.
Ewer with dragons and clouds. 1736-1795. Qianlong period. Gold alloy. Probably made in Beijing in the Imperial workshops. Palace Museum, Gu11455. © The Palace Museum. Fair use license. via https://america.cgtn.com/2018/09/19/the-empresses-of-china#foobox-1/6/EMP-363-Full-JPG.jpg

This is the second post from this wonderful exhibition. The first was of jewelry; the third is upcoming and has robes, hats and other items of attire. All as wonderful as these. The empresses were lucky indeed to be able to surround themselves with these enchanting items . . .

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