Splendors of China’s Forbidden City: The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong March 12—September 12, 2004 Explore the hidden world of the Imperial Court and experience the Chinese empire at the peak of its wealth and power. Splendors of the Forbidden City takes you to the 18th-century court of Emperor Qianlong, one of the most powerful rulers in history. Qianlong reigned over more people than any other emperor, in or outside of China. At the time of his reign, China was the richest empire in the world, living standards were good and the arts flourished, reaching heights that in many cases would not be reached again. This incredible exhibition opens a window into the daily life of a Chinese emperor, with all its spectacular ritual and awe-inspiring symbolism. Detailed displays evoke the ambiance of palace chambers, transporting you to the sumptuous private quarters of the emperor and his many wives. You’ll see a five-foot Buddhist stupa made entirely of gold, jade-handled swords, embroidered silk robes, detailed paintings of court life and nearly 400 other extraordinary treasures that were once hidden from all but the highest ranking officials. Field Museum curators worked closely with curators in Beijing to create this unprecedented exhibition, which is the largest collection of artifacts ever to have left the Palace Museum. More than half of the artifacts featured have never before been seen in North America and many have not previously left the Forbidden City. Explore this exclusive world and be awed by the grandeur of the China’s Imperial Court.