Priceless treasures bearing the mark of dynasties in China

Inside the Forbidden City Museum in Beijing, China, more than 1.8 million artifacts from many dynasties of the country are currently preserved and displayed.

The museum, located within the grounds of the Forbidden City, was founded in October 1925, and houses a wealth of priceless artifacts related to China's dynasties, including gifts from neighboring countries and royal treasures.

Jade-encrusted cup, crafted during the Qing Dynasty.

The Golden-Ou Yonggu Cup was made during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It is considered a representative antique of the Palace Museum. The cup is about 12.5cm long, 8cm in diameter, and is made of gold, studded with pearls and diamonds.

The antique was ordered by Emperor Qianlong to be crafted. The words "Kim Au Vinh Co" are engraved on the cup as a wish for the longevity of the Qing Dynasty. Around the mouth of the cup are patterns, symbolizing wealth. The item was considered a precious treasure of the ancestors by later Qing Emperors, often used in the New Year's writing ceremony.

This is the work of master carver Truong Thanh of the Yuan Dynasty.

Cloud Plate (Cloud Plate). This is considered a treasure representing the lacquer carvings of the Forbidden City, made by master carver Zhang Cheng of the Yuan Dynasty.

The plate is 19.2cm in diameter and 3.3cm high, with both the inside and outside of the plate carved with clouds, and the black paint is sharp and thick. It is known that Truong Thanh's lacquer sculptures are considered treasures.

Enameled bronze incense burner made during the Yuan Dynasty.

Enameled bronze incense burner decorated with lotus motifs, with ivory-shaped handle. The antique was made during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), measuring 13.9cm in height, 16cm in diameter at the mouth and 13.5cm in diameter at the base.

The incense burner is made from bronze and is round in shape. The neck of the incense burner is covered with light blue enamel and decorated with 12 multi-colored chrysanthemums, while the belly is covered with enamel enamel and decorated with 6 lotus flowers. Experts say that this treasure has harmonious colors and is a masterpiece of enamel art (enamel-coated bronze).

The painting "Scenery by the River on Qingming Festival" (tentative translation: Scenery by the River on Qingming Festival) located in the Palace Museum is considered one of the 10 most representative paintings of Chinese painting.

 Part of the painting "Along the River during Qingming Festival". (Photo: China People).

This is a work by Zhang Zhe Duan, painted on a paper roll over 5m long, measuring 24.8cm x 528.7cm, depicting 814 characters, 20 means of transport, 60 animals and 170 trees. The painting meticulously and in detail depicts the daily life of people on both sides of the river during the Song Dynasty. This place is believed to be the ancient capital of Bianjing (now Kaifeng city, Henan province of this country).

A jade seal made of marble from the Song Dynasty.

The Song Dynasty jade seal was made of marble. The top of the seal was carved with a dragon, and cloud and wave motifs were added. During the Qing Dynasty, the bottom of the jade seal was engraved with a poem by Emperor Qianlong.

This is a typical antique of the ancient clock line in the Palace Museum.

The royal longevity clock is designed in the form of a gilded lacquered pavilion. This is a typical work of clock antiques in the Palace Museum. The antique is 185cm tall, consisting of 7 separate mechanical systems to adjust the time.

It is known that before the 17th century, Chinese dynasties used hourglasses to tell time. But in the 8th year of Qianlong, the Emperor requested the design of a mechanical clock. It took the team of craftsmen 14 years to complete. This antique was considered the most modern mechanical clock at that time.

The Palace Museum, located within the grounds of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is one of the most visited museums in China. It displays more than 1.8 million artifacts collected from many Chinese dynasties, with great historical value.

In addition to the priceless treasures, visitors also have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture of the buildings inside. These are gilded roofs combined with red walls, bearing the decorative style of the Chinese Royal Family.