Chinese Museums

IMPERIAL CHINA - THE DYNASTIES - There is little doubt that the era of Imperial China is a major part of the Chinese legacy. It is here that you will find the roots to many of the Chinese’s greatest cultural themes. Imperial China begins during the Qin Dynasty in 221 B.C. and during this time period, many rulers would come - and each would leave their mark on this great country.

The Qin Dynasty is said to be the beginning of Imperial China. In its first years, King Zheng would lead the country through a series of battles that would eventually defeat all of the rival states. The country was divided and ruled through governors. We also see the standardization of weights, writing, money, measures, and more. In fact, during this period, the Great Wall of China was first built. But, King Zheng was fearful of subversion and he tended to treat scholars brutally. During this period of early imperial China the terracotta warriors guarding the tomb were fashioned – some 6000 soldiers of pottery making the Terracotta Army.

The next significant dynasty we encounter is that of the Han Dynasty which followed on the short reign of the Qin Dynasty. This dynasty dates from the time that Lui Bang battled with the Qin army and won. This was a long, 400 year ruling in which many things of note happened. The Silk Route was established and trade flourished. The Imperial Academy was established. Education was beginning to shift to a more merit driven system rather than lineage. You will also find the first dictionary of over 9000 characters coming from this time frame. Iron was used more so and paper was refined. We also find that in tombs, more rural and daily life events were captured in paintings. The beliefs in yin and yang begin here as well. During this time period we also find the beginnings of the Buddhism religion, although it took time to find its place.

After the Han Dynasty there was much strife and fighting and many kingdoms were set up and overcome. In 580 AD the Sui dynasty began. There were two Emperors in this dynasty and the canals were extended and the Great Wall further fortified.

The T’ang Dynasty was to bring even more change in culture and customs to Imperial China. Poets and all sorts of artists were beginning to appear. Travel abroad brought more literature and a new way of looking at life. Trade continued to flourish and tourists came to one of the largest cities in the world, Chang’an. Things such as imported horses and jewelry as well as various spices were found and brought to this culture. One of the largest differences during this time period was that women were offered a higher status. They played polo, rode horses and enjoyed dance and music. The canals were further extended allowing increased trade and travel. Great strides were made in rice growing. When this dynasty came to an end around 900 AD a period of strife followed.

The Later Imperial China period starts with the Yuan Dynasty – 1279 during a time when China were ruled by the Mongols and the grandson of Ghengis Khan, Kubla Khan became the first Yuan emperor. This was a troubled time in Chinese history with the Chinese being oppressed by their Mongol rulers.

The Ming Dynasty began around 1360 and lasted for almost three hundred years. It was unique in that the founder of the Ming Dynasty was a peasant and he tended to improve the lot of the ordinary Chinese people. Writing and art flourished. Ming pottery, with its distinctive coloring became popular as did general learning with a new Chinese dictionary being devised and widely introduced. Earlier dynasties had built many great walls but it was during the Ming Dynasty that the Great Wall of China was strengthened, enlarged and the result was much as we see it today.

The Qing Dynasty followed and again China was ruled by outsiders – the Manchu. Dating from 1644, the Qing dynasty continued right up to 1911. Although the start of this dynasty was a peaceful time many Chinese customs and dress were changed. Men had to shave their heads and wear Manchurian style clothes. Trade was increased and in particular much trade was conducted with England. There were a number of internal rebellions and this weakened the country. Following the reign of Tzu His and a short reign of a very young emperor a Rebellion succeeded and in came the Republic of China.More detailed information on the dynasties can be found on this mnsu.edu website.