Xuande Collection

LIU BEI (161-223). Also known as Xuande. Shu Han emperor of China, 221-223. Detail of a painted silk scroll, c650, attributed to Yen Li Pen

Parody of Liu Bei (J: Gentoku) Visiting Zhuge Liang (J: Komei) in Wind and Snow... c. 1844. Creator: Utagawa Kunisada
Parody of Liu Bei (J: Gentoku) Visiting Zhuge Liang (J: Komei) in Wind and Snow (Gentoku fusetsu ni Komei o tazureru), c. 1844

Guan Yu, Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei, 1825. Creator: Utagawa Kunisada
Guan Yu, Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei, 1825

No. 1: Liu Bei (Sono ichi: Ryubi), from the series " Three Heroes of Shu (Shoku sanketsu)", c. 1824

Moonflask, Bianping Xuande, 1426-35 (porcelain) (see also 1190778)
1190777 Moonflask, Bianping Xuande, 1426-35 (porcelain) (see also 1190778) by Chinese School (15th century); height: 24.5 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Chinese, out of copyright

Red lacquer box decorated with peonies, c. 1426-35 (lacquer on wood) (see also 52020)
XIR156204 Red lacquer box decorated with peonies, c.1426-35 (lacquer on wood) (see also 52020) by Chinese School (15th century); Musee Guimet, Paris

Red lacquer box decorated with peonies, 1426-27 (wood)
BAL52020 Red lacquer box decorated with peonies, 1426-27 (wood) by Chinese School (15th century); Musee Guimet, Paris, France; (add.info.: boire en lacque rouge decoree de pivoines; ); Chinese

Large blue and white Ming vase with the Hsuan Te mark, 1426-35 (porcelain)
XZL151843 Large blue and white Ming vase with the Hsuan Te mark, 1426-35 (porcelain) by Chinese School (15th century); Private Collection; Chinese, out of copyright

Moonflask, Bianping Xuande, 1426-35 (porcelain) (see also 1190777)
1190778 Moonflask, Bianping Xuande, 1426-35 (porcelain) (see also 1190777) by Chinese School (15th century); Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Chinese, out of copyright

Hsuan Te Stem-Cup, 1425-1435, (1927). Artists: Edward F Strange, Unknown
Hsuan Te Stem-Cup, 1927. From Old Furniture, Volume II. edited by Lieut.-Col. E. F. Strange, C.B.E. [Old Furniture Ltd. London, 1927]

The Ming Emperor Xuande playing chuiwan. Found in the Collection of Palace Museum, Beijing

China. Underglazee blue cups. Ming dynasty, Xuande period (1426-35 AD). British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom

LIU BEI (161-223). Also known as Xuande
LIU BEI (161-223). Also known as Xund. Chinese general, warlord and founder of the Shu-Han dynasty. Liu Bei on horseback struggling to cross a swiftly flowing river

Gentoku mitabi secchA ni kAcmei o otonou no zu, Xuande visiting Kongming for the third time. Utagawa, Kuniyoshi, 1798-1861, artist, 1853

Xuande rides a horse across Caoqi River. Print shows Liu Bei (Xuande) on horseback struggling to cross the swiftly flowing Caoqi river. Date 1853

Xuande visiting Kongming for the third time. Print shows Liu Bei (Xuande) with two samurai paying a night visit during a snow storm to Zhuge Liang (Kongming) to request that he become his advisor

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Xuande: A Glimpse into the Majestic Ming Dynasty Step back in time to the Xuande period of the Ming dynasty, a golden era in Chinese history. Named after Emperor Xuande, this period from 1426-35 A. D. Was marked by cultural prosperity and artistic brilliance. One exquisite artifact that captures the essence of this era is a Cloisonne Jar. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it showcases the intricate enamelwork technique perfected during this time. Influenced by historical figures like Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, artists like Utagawa Kunisada immortalized their heroic deeds through stunning woodblock prints. One such masterpiece titled "No. 1: Liu Bei" transports us to ancient battlefields where honor and loyalty prevailed. The elegance of porcelain reached its zenith under Xuande's reign. The Moonflask Bianping Xuande stands as a testament to this craftsmanship with its delicate beauty and timeless appeal. For those enchanted by lacquerware artistry, a red lacquer box adorned with peonies offers an enchanting glimpse into daily life during this period. Its vibrant colors bring joy while symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Another treasure from this era is a large blue and white Ming vase bearing the Hsuan Te mark - an emblem of imperial quality control during Xuande's rule. This majestic piece exudes grandeur and sophistication fit for royal palaces. Edward F Strange's painting "Hsuan Te Stem-Cup" further immerses us in the opulence of courtly life during these years – an extraordinary blend of European influence on traditional Chinese art forms. Even amidst political affairs, Emperor Xuande found solace in leisure activities like chuiwan (a precursor to golf). Depicted playing chuiwan himself, he reminds us that even great rulers need moments of respite. Underglaze blue cups, another remarkable creation of this period, showcase the mastery of Ming artisans.