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Complete
contents of Imperial Throne Room
The
screen, throne and ceremonial items from the Imperial Throne Room
are a focal point of the exhibition. This was the hall where major
ceremonies of state were carried out in elaborate ceremonial dress,
and where visiting dignitaries were received.
 The
Last Emperor's Bicycle, Cricket Cage and Musical Box
The
Last Emperor, Puyi, was given a bicycle by his British tutor, Reginald
Johnston. Puyi became an enthusiastic cyclist, riding around the
closed world of the Imperial Palace, where he had gaps cut into
the high thresholds so that he could ride through doorways unimpeded.
Also on display are the cage for his pet cricket, which the isolated
little Emperor always carried with him, and his musical box. (All
these items were depicted in Bertolucci's Oscar-winning film, "The
Last Emperor.")
Ceremonial
Armor
The
Qing Dynasty was built on a combination of diplomacy and force.
In the early years, Emperors joined in military pursuits, and consequently
had specially made armor in their wardrobes. The ceremonial suits
of armor were magnificent approximations of battle dress ornamented
with gold, silver, silk brocades, fur, ribbons and tassels. They
are unique garments of tremendous style and craftsmanship.
 Court
Robes
Everyday
dress was highly elaborate and ceremonial robes, made of silks heavily
embroidered with gold and colored threads, were works of art in
their own right. The symbolism enshrined in the colors and emblems
was of great significance, confirming the Emperor's position and
attributes.
Solid
Gold Dining Ware
The
exhibition includes solid gold decorated cups, plates, pots, flatware
and chopsticks from the imperial table of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Porcelain, Jade and
Enamel Decorative Objects
Decorative
objects used by the Emperors from the earliest days of the Qing
Dynasty to its close include: vases, bowls, carved animals and other
decorative ornaments made from precious white, yellow and green
jade; elaborately hand-painted porcelain that was the envy of Europe;
and exquisitely inlaid and filigree enameled objects.
Paintings
from the Emperors' Collection
The
various Qing Emperors and Empresses are depicted on silk, along
with scenes from the lives of the court concubines.
 Rare
Curiosities
A
number of unusual items, often given as gifts to Emperors, are on
view: a peach tree of precious stones; a red lacquer bathtub; the
Emperor's toilet; a woman's embroidered yellow silk shoes standing
on eight-inch soles; bells; drums; sculptures of Buddhas; a trumpet
made from human bone; saddles; ancient firearms; fans and a mahjong
set. All are exquisite items of the best of Chinese craftsmanship
— appropriate for an Emperor or Empress.
Imperial Jewelry
A
wealth of fabulous jewelry, including diadems, pendants, earrings
and necklaces, was crafted for Emperors and Empresses from pearls,
jade, coral precious stones and kingfisher feathers.
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