Secret World Of The Forbidden City !

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. http://www.museumca.org/exhibit/exhib_fc3.html