Sixteen paintings of emperors, empresses, princes, and princesses represent three generations of the Qing dynasty imperial family, from the early to mid-eighteenth century. Almost evenly divided between images of men and women, the portraits—some nearly life-size—show the royal family members dressed in either the elaborate formal robes required for attendance at court or more casual attire at moments of leisure. The women are generally depicted wearing sumptuous embroidered robes and fabulous jewelry made of gold and pearls or inlaid with dazzling turquoise kingfisher feathers. The men are shown riding horses, relaxing in a garden or boat, meditating quietly with rosary beads, or seated in a formal setting among their favorite possessions.
Detail, Portrait of a Manchu Noblewoman; Hanging scroll; Qing dynasty, probably 19th century; Ink and color on silk; China; Purchase — Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program and partial gift of Richard G. Pritzlaff; Arthur M. Sackler Gallery S1991.58