Maxwell K. Hearn, Douglas Dillon Curator, Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Enter the Forbidden City and explore the lavish retirement residence of one of China's most extravagant monarchs-the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736--95)-who presided over China's last dynasty, the Qing, at the zenith of its power and wealth. Court culture comes to life through a concluding presentation of Chinese poetry and calligraphy.