There is also a small refrigerator on show. Without electricity, the royals of the Qing Dynasty used to use ice cubes to preserve food and fruits. The frame of the refrigerator on display is made of cloisonne enamel that is decorated with hollowed-out, gilded flower patterns on the four sides, while the handles are sculpted to look like lions with rings in their mouths. The middle of its wooden cover is embossed with a gold lacquer dragon.
The utensils were designed to add to the pleasure of the food, but moreover, they played an important role in distinguishing rank and practicing etiquette.
Emperors of the Qing Dynasty used to attach great importance to the study of Han culture. As well as calligraphy and paintings produced by both the emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, the exhibition recreates a typical Qing emperor's study and that of a royal living room, in order to provide visitors to the exhibition with a realistic example of how the royals enjoyed their surroundings.
Items, including jewelry boxes, fans and mirrors, which belonged to the concubines present a delicate and elegant touch. Several small powder cases demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship in glass-making at the time.
