For Immediate Release Contact: Pat Kremer/Nancy O’Shea (312) 665-7100 (For Media Use Only) Take a Tour of The Splendors of China's Forbidden City Splendors of China’s Forbidden City: The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong offers Field Museum visitors an inside view of palace life in the Chinese empire at the height of its power, wealth, and glory, along with insights into the life and mind of the emperor Qianlong. Introduction A map of China, an introductory video, and a large architectural model of the walled compound orient visitors to the space of the Forbidden City. But a real sense of what’s ahead comes from the large silk scroll painting of tribute bearers at Taihe Hall. Here a formal procession of dignitaries—complete with elephants, dogs, rows of guards and hoards of onlookers—approaches the “Hall of Supreme Harmony,” bringing the emperor priceless treasures of the sort that visitors will see in the exhibition. Symbols of Supreme Power The emperor received his mandate to rule not from the people but from heaven. Thus he stood at the center of the universe, wielding absolute power and authority over as many as 300 million people. Everything the emperor touched symbolized that power, through colors, design, materials, and emblems—including, for Qianlong, both Manchu and Han Chinese symbols. The exhibition recreates Qianlong’s throne room—including the Dragon Throne,—from which he ruled the empire for 60 years. Also in this section are portraits of Qianlong and his beloved first wife and empress, Xiaoxian (sheeyow-sheeyen), painted by the Jesuit artist Giuseppe Castiglione. Castiglione’s paintings (several of which are seen in the exhibition) helped introduce European realism to Chinese art, and give us a vivid, detailed portrait of palace life. Continue