LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Culture

Children's toys in the Qing court

1
2016-06-01 13:27Chinaculture.org Editor: Li Yan
The children holding a goldfish lantern, kept at the Palace Museum. (Photo/dpm.org.cn)

The children holding a goldfish lantern, kept at the Palace Museum. (Photo/dpm.org.cn)

Can you imagine what toys children in the Forbidden City played with one century ago?

In the Qing court, a number of toys were prepared by the empress and imperial concubines during festivals for the little princes and princesses. During the late Qing Dynasty, there was a spike in the number of toys given, because Emperor Tongzhi was only 6 years old and Emperor Guangxu was 4 years old when they were enthroned. The last emperor of the dynasty, Pu Yi, was pushed to the throne at the age of 3. Being the ruler of the country, he was no more than a child. So toys were used to entertain the little emperor.

From traditional folk toys like clay figurines and cloth tigers, to imported western devices such as music boxes and building blocks, there was a wide range of toys in the Forbidden City. These toys fully reflect the integration of folk style, royal style and exotic style, which also reflect late Qing society during the period of the Republic of China.

Lanterns

This lantern is framed by wire and pasted with painted gauze. On both sides, it is painted with the design of two boys holding a goldfish. On the flanks are bat patterns on the auspicious implies. This lantern was made according to the customs of admiring festive lanterns during the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.