Imperial poem for appreciating cultural relics created by Emperor Qianlong

Author: Shi Guangming
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1993-08-01
Features: The engraving explanation of Emperor Qianlong, Aisin Gioro Hongli (1711—1799), reigned from 1735 to 1796, with the era name of Qianlong. Qianlong was another emperor who ruled for 60 years after Kangxi, during which the Qing Dynasty was in a period of peace and prosperity. Moreover, due to Qianlong's passion for various arts, not only did he promote the development of craftsmanship at the time, with techniques reaching unprecedented heights and countless innovative and exquisite works, but he also facilitated the preservation of ancient artifacts. Qianlong himself was highly skilled in appreciating antiques and had a deep obsession with them. Thanks to his imperial status, the Qing court collected a vast number of artistic treasures. In his poems, Qianlong preserved many verses praising artifacts, which are not only valuable literary works but also useful resources for the study and appreciation of artifacts. Comrades Shi Guangming, Dong Guanghe, and others selected approximately 3,400 poems praising artifacts from the massive collection of "Imperial Poems of Qianlong" and compiled them into a book titled "Imperial Poems of Qianlong on Artifacts Appreciation," providing convenience for a broad readership. The book is divided into five major categories: "Praising Paintings," "Praising Jade," "Praising Ceramics," "Praising Lacquerware," and "Praising Inkstones." Among these, the section on "Praising Paintings" occupies a larger portion. For ease of reference, it is arranged in alphabetical order by the stroke count of the painters' surnames, with works by the same surname ordered by the chronological order of their respective eras. The other categories are arranged based on the origins of jade and inkstone, porcelain kilns, or the types of artifacts. There are still some shortcomings in the selection and arrangement of poems in this book. For example, in terms of artifact types, it is not entirely comprehensive, as some poems praising other handicrafts have not been included. However, it still covers the majority of Qianlong's poems praising artifacts, providing readers with valuable materials for research and appreciation. Book and Periodical Publishing House, March 1993.