 |
| Nine Dragon Screen, Forbidden City |
Nine Dragon Screen
When speaking of Hall of Imperial Supremacy (Huangjidian), one relates to the Nine-Dragon Screen right away. It is located outside the Gate of Tranquility and Longevity (Ningshoumen). One of the three ancient nine-dragon screens in China, this one in the Forbidden City is the most exquisite. Others are in Datong City - oldest, and in Beihai Park, Beijing - largest.
The Nine-Dragon Screenhas a wallpaper of blue clouds and green water, swirling and turning in the background. Sitting on a pedestal of white marble stone, or Xumi Base, the Nine-dragon Screen is ready to take off tp the sky. The nine dragons on the screen are sculpted in high relief. It protrudes at points around around 20 cm (0.7 feet) from the screen surface, creating strong three-dimensional effect. Only the emperor has the privilege of using the figure nine, and the "Nine-Five Supreme" is the reverence accorded to the head of the imperial household. There are altogether 270 items sculpted on the surface, and 270 are divisible by both nine and five. The design arrangement is exquisitely done to lasting effect.
Discerning visitors will notice there is a dark part at the lower abdomen of the third white dragon from right (east) to left. What happened? There is a story about it. When piecing together the screen, the craftsman accidently broke the porcelain piece there. That mistake could cost him his life, so he carved a similar piece through wood, made up the part and painted it white. Thanks to his excellent skills, the broken part was roughly the same as the original. The craftsman survived the disaster successfully. The problem, however, is that the white paint on the wood has eroded after years of exposure, and finally reveals the truth.
Hall of Imperial Supremacy (Huangjidian)
Walking across the Nine-Dragon Screen, the Gate of Imperial Supremacy and Gate of Tranquil Longevity, you will see the Hall of Imperial Supremacy (Huangjidian).
Hall of Imperial Supremacy is the main building in the Palace of Tranquility and Longevity (Ningshougong). First built in 1689, it was initially named Palace of Tranquility and Longevity. Then it was renamed Hall of Imperial Supremacy during the reconstruction from 1772 to 1776. Thereafter, it was the place for Emperor Qianlong to grant public audiences.
Usually, the names of the palaces’ gates always go hand in hand with the inner palaces in the Forbidden City. Thus the gate of the Hall of Imperial Supremacy should be Gate of Imperial Supremacy (Huangjimen), but how come it be named Gate of Tranquility and Longevity (Ningshoumen)? In fact, the gate’s name had ever been consistent with the palace. Late Emperor Qianlong renamed it as Hall of Imperial Supremacy, and changed the back palace into Palace of Tranquility and Longevity. Then the current layout of front hall and back palace took shape. In honor of his grandfather Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong kept the original name of the front gate.
The Hall of Imperial Supremacy witnessed many defining moments in history. Emperor Qianlong held "1000 Elders' Banquet" twice for elders over 60 in this hall. Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her 60th birthday ceremony in this hall in 1894. On her 70th birthday in 1904, she received foreign delegates from Australia, the US, Germany, Russia, Belgium, Britain, Japan, France, Italy and Portugal here. Four years later, after her death, her coffin was carried back here for funeral service.
The Hall of Imperial Supremacy now has been set up for exhibition rooms of royal memorabilia. Treasure Room No. 1, the southern room of the east veranda of the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, mainly displays 23 daily utensils of the emperors and empresses. Among them, there are porcelain wares made in the Guan Kiln of Jingdezhen and objects made with precious materials, such as gold, silver and jade. Treasure Room No. 2, the southern room of the west veranda of the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, shows 26 valuable entertainment articles of the emperors and empresses. These items are sophisticated but elegant, reflecting the unique appreciation taste of the imperial family. Treasure Room No. 2 is the more impressive of the three. Treasure Room No. 3, the northern room of the west veranda of the Hall of Imperial Supremacy, exhibits 46 decoration articles of the emperors and empresses.
Go to the Next Attraction: Palace of Tranquil Longevity
