NEW YORK—Anyone who has a passion for Chinese art and civilization should head over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Beginning Tuesday Feb. 1, visitors to the Met will have the opportunity to feast their eyes on some of the most exquisite treasures that once graced the emperor’s private garden in the Forbidden City.
This unique exhibition presents 18th century Chinese works of artistic achievement at their pinnacle. The exhibition features 90 splendid art items including silk scrolls, paintings, murals, furniture, Buddhist icons, jades, and cloisonné from the Qianlong Garden, also called the Tranquility and Longevity Palace Garden. The splendid exhibits reveal the private garden retreat of Emperor Qianlong.
Emperor Qianlong (pronounced as “chien long”) was the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China. During his rule from 1736 to 1795, China was the world’s biggest and richest civilization. A connoisseur of art, a dedicated scholar, and a devout Buddhist, Emperor Qianlong created a lavish and secluded garden paradise for his private enjoyment and retirement.
