Three Generations of Emperors

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This exceptional set of porcelain figurines colorfully represents three generations of Qing Dynasty Emperors who were the most popular dynastic rulers in Chinese history. The Qing Dynasty was the last of the imperial dynasties of China, spanning the years 1644 to 1912. These three reigned from 1661 to 1796. 

Kangxi (in blue), who reigned from 1662-1722, was the second Qing emperor and is the eldest of the three. Kangxi adopted much of the bureaucratic structure of the prior Ming Dynasty. He espoused Confucian political and cultural attitudes in order to assimilate into Chinese culture and reestablish peace and prosperity. His son, Yongzheng (in yellow) reigned from 1722-1735. During his reign he consolidated power, restructured institutions to eliminate corruption, and promoted commerce, science, philosophy, and the arts. But it was under Kangxi’s grandson, Qianlong (in deep red) that the empire reached the height of its power and widest geographic limits during the six decades of his reign (1735-96).

Each statue is approximately 22 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 6 inches deep —nearly twice the size of most similar sets — and cast with lovely details (including tiny nostrils and ear canals) that are hand painted in vivid colors. Similar sets of half this size sell for about $1800 to $2100.

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For fun, here are some antique wooden chess pieces from China, also part of my collections:


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