The revered Kangxi Emperor

Posted by Kimberly under Exhibitions, Lifestyle, Museums/Heritage Galleries
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A keen scholar.

A patron of the arts.

A shrewd politician.

A fearless general.

A father.

A husband.

An emperor.

These were the roles of the Kangxi emperor. One of the greatest rulers in China’s history, Kangxi was the third emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty and he reigned the empire for 61 years from 1662 to 1722. His uninterrupted rule, which brought stability and wealth to a war-torn China, was the longest in China’s history.

Catch a rare glimpse into the life of this extraordinary man at Asian Civilisations Museum’s (ACM) The Kangxi Emperor - Treasures from the Forbidden City. Let the treasures at ACM narrate the story of Kangxi’s life - from the time he ascended the throne at the tender age of eight to his consolidation of Manchu rule over China. Most of the 95 artefacts, of which 80 are from the Palace Museum, Beijing, have not been shown in Southeast Asian before and some have never been out of China.

From intricately embroidered robes, elaborate scrolls, and detailed silk paintings displayed at ACM, visitors can immerse themselves in one of the focal points in China’s history. The rich colours of gold and yellow are telling of a life full of magnifence, yet the exhibition space doesn’t just invoke awe. There are intimate corners in the space that speak of the emperor’s personal life - his love for his first wife is heartbreakingly apparent (she died in her early twenties), and so is his devotion and respect to his family.

Kangxi was also a man of many interests, it is said he practiced calligraphy daily and was an ardent lover of Confucian classics. A brave warrior, he was the only emperor who personally led his troops into battle. Interested in Western science and technology, he was credited as revolutionising Chinese innovations.

Tan Huism, Deputy Director of ACM believes that Singaporeans can relate to Kangxi’s (albeit grand) life and multi-faceted personality in some sense of another. “Kangxi was able to balance his various roles and responsibilities to be a good emperor. It is very important because today, we ourselves play many different roles”, she quips.

The exhibition runs till June 14, so be sure not to miss it. Meanwhile, gain a further insight into the Kangxi Emperor when the Heritage TV team paid a visit to ACM recently here.

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