Qing

(1644-1912) The Qing (Ch’ing) dynasty also called the Great Qing and Manchu dynasty for the peoples that seized control from the Hans, the Qing was the longest and last Chinese imperial dynasty spanning almost 250 years. Called China’s “Golden Era,” it was a time of great expansion, the empire’s territory and population tripled from 150 million to 450 million, its economy was integrated and its culture was totally transformed. The Peking opera was initiated and prospered, a dictionary of Chinese characters was published, large encyclopedias and collections on Chinese literature were written, poetry and literature reached its heights, its printing industry grew by bounds, blue and white porcelain and jade carving reached its apogee, China’s top two universities were founded, the first canons were developed, the Manchus adopted Chinese culture as its own allowing further cultural achievements, reemphasized the teachings of Confucianism and instituted government efficiency and obedience to the legal system. During the Ming and Qing dynasties Popular Religion flourished with temples created through China, especially in the South. Use of carved figures of ancestors, deities, heroes and Buddhist images flourished, displayed in temples, clan settings and in homes on private altars. Unfortunately, China’s archaic feudal system fueled its backwardness, allowed foreign trade in only four regions and restricted foreign exchanges missing much of the industrial revolution and gradually bringing on its decline. Most of our Chinese collection is from this era.