Hong Kong exhibition unveils 157 treasures from Qing imperial workshops

2026-09-30 Ecns.cn Editor:Mo Honge

 

(ECNS) -- A special exhibition featuring 157 treasures from the Palace Museum, including 14 national first-class cultural relics, opened to the public at the Hong Kong Palace Museum on Wednesday. 

Titled "Design for the Forbidden City: Imperial Workshops of the Qing Court," the exhibition explores the craftsmanship and beauty of the Qing court through contemporary design.

Mechanical potted scenes depicting blooming lotuses are displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. (Photo: China News Service/Li Zhihua)
Mechanical potted scenes depicting blooming lotuses are displayed at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. (Photo: China News Service/Li Zhihua)

It traces the history, organizational structure, materials and production processes of the Imperial Workshops, which produced and maintained objects for the emperors and the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).

The Imperial Workshops comprised dozens of specialized units and brought together highly skilled craftsmen from across China. The objects they created reflect the sophisticated craftsmanship and refined artistic standards of the Qing court.

The exhibition also features interactive installations that allow visitors to experience how samples were submitted to emperors for approval, offering a glimpse into the rigorous supervision involved in imperial production. 

(By Helen Mo & Intern Liu Shuangjing)

Most popular in 24h
APP | PC