Webinars & Presentations
Asian Topics Discussion Series: The Qing: Dynastic China and its Height 1644-1911
Established in 1644 by the Manchus, who overthrew the native Ming dynasty, the Qing dynasty (pronounced “Ching”) was the last imperial dynasty to rule China, enduring until the founding of the Republic of China in 1912. The 268-year reign of the Qing was dominated by the rule of two monarchs: the Kangxi Emperor and his grandson, the Qianlong Emperor. These two emperors, each of whom reigned for about 60 years, would set the course of Qing history. They created in large part the political, economic, and cultural legacy inherited by modern China. Each undertook multiple “tours of inspection” to all corners of the realm. In fact, these personal inspection tours were part of a strategy for extending and solidifying Manchu rule throughout the empire. Each of the two emperors commissioned a monumental set of scrolls to record one of these tours, and asked a leading artist of the time to undertake the commission. These mammoth works of art provide an authentic views into structure and rituals of the Confucian system as well as a glimpse of the wealth of late imperial China – before the onslaught of Western and then Japanese imperialism. The heritage of 21st c China is visible in these scrolls.
Join facilitator Dr. Elizabeth Joy Reynolds for this session as part of the "Asian Topics Discussion Series" and explore key points during this period with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss various approaches to teaching the topic.