Qing Palace Tibetan Buddhist artifacts

Author: Palace Museum Press
Publisher:
Publishing Date: July 1, 1998
Features: As the central nervous system of the nation during the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City maintained a close relationship with Tibet. The Qing imperial family practiced Tibetan Buddhism, so numerous Tibetan Buddhist halls were built within the Forbidden City, numbering over thirty. For example, the Ruhua Pavilion is the largest surviving Tibetan Buddhist esoteric four-division temple in China. It was newly constructed in the style of the Gugé Trinling Monastery and completed in 1750 under the guidance of the Grand Master Tsongkhapa. The architectural relics are well-preserved today, serving as a solidified artistic space that retains the historical appearance of the Qianlong era. It is a highly valuable relic. Similar halls include the Fanhua Pavilion, Baohua Hall, and Fanzong Pavilion, among others. Those interested should explore this illustrated album. These artifacts demonstrate the close political and cultural ties between the Chinese dynasties and Tibet, particularly the Qing Dynasty's governance of Tibet and its role in maintaining national unity. They showcase the magnificent achievements of Tibetan Buddhist art. From multiple perspectives of history and culture, they allow us to appreciate the close bond between Tibet and the motherland within the historical context of the Qing Dynasty's multi-ethnic unification. The Forbidden City's rich collection of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts is neither acquired from the nor donated by private individuals. The tens of thousands of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts are primarily the old treasures of the imperial palace, gathering rare pieces from Tibetan and Mongolian regions as well as the interior of China. Buddhist artworks from Tibetan regions were gifts presented to the court by ethnic and religious leaders from Mongolian and Tibetan areas since the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Since the Yuan Dynasty, ethnic and religious leaders from Tibet, Gansu, and Qinghai frequently paid tribute to the court to obtain imperial endorsements, receiving generous rewards in return. Over several centuries, the finest Buddhist artworks from Tibet have gathered in the Forbidden City. These artifacts possess extraordinary religious and artistic value, as well as profound historical significance. The journey of each artifact into the imperial palace freezes a piece of historical narrative. Hundreds of artifacts collectively paint a vibrant picture, guiding us into the depths of history.
China is a multi-ethnic unified nation, and the Tibetan people are an important member of the Chinese family. Archaeological findings show that as early as the Stone Age, Tibetan ancestors began to thrive on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, using their diligence, courage, wisdom, and strength to create a glorious history and civilization. The marriage alliance of Princess Wencheng to Tibet during the Tang Dynasty and the establishment of the Tang-Tibet Alliance marked the beginning of Tibet's integration into the Chinese family. By the Yuan Dynasty, the historic meeting between the Tibetan religious leader Sakya Pandita and the Mongolian prince Kude established Tibet's formal to the central government. During the Ming Dynasty, administrative institutions were set up in Tibet, further strengthening the relationship between the court and Tibet. The Qing Dynasty implemented the policy of promoting the Yellow Church to pacify Mongol and Tibetan regions, using Tibetan Buddhism, which is widely practiced by the Tibetan people, as the foundation for coordinating ethnic relations and fostering emotional bonds. Subsequently, effective measures were taken to successfully implement the most comprehensive and direct governance of Tibet in history, deepening the relationship between the Qing court and Tibet.