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| (Oct - Dec 2009) |
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2009.09.25 ¡V 11.22 |
This exhibition features 15 paintings from the Ming (1368¡V1644) and Qing (1644¡V1911) dynasties, on the unique theme of prosperous cities, from the collection of the Liaoning Provincial Museum. Most of the exhibits, once prized possessions of the Qing emperor Qianlong, are representative works in the history of painting. Offering an insight into China's urban wealth during the Ming and Qing periods, they include significant paintings such as Along the River during the Qingming Festival by Qiu Ying (ca.1494¡Vca.1552) of the Ming dynasty, Ten Views of West Lake by Wang Yuanqi (1642¡V1715) and Prosperous Suzhou by Xu Yang (1712¡Vca. 1777) of the Qing dynasty. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the handscroll by Xu Yang, a Qing court painter during the reign of Qianlong. Completed in 1759 during Qianlong's second Southern Inspection Tour, the scroll painting provides a panoramic but extraordinarily detailed view of 18th century Suzhou. In it, Xu painstakingly depicts people from all walks of life ¡V from fishermen, woodcutters and tillers to merchants, literati and civil officers ¡V as well as Suzhou's fascinating scenery, in which many prosperous aspects of the city during the High Qing era are emphasised. Associated Programme
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