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Outer gowns on display at the MAM’s ‘Stately Demeanour’ exhibition, including (centre) a lined yellow outer gown with satin embroidery of butterflies and peonies that was worn by imperial consorts during the reign of the Emperor Guangxu between 1875 and 1908
ew cultures and countries around the world can match China when it comes to ancient regal costumes. The Egyptians and the Japanese certainly have a special place, as do countries across Europe, such as England, France, Spain and Portugal. These nations all have old paintings that line the walls of galleries and museums showing historical kings and queens adorned in beautiful clothes, with precious stones sewn into them or on crowns that glimmer in the light. However, there’s something really quite special about the costumes once worn by China’s emperors and empresses. These old items of regal clothing hold a special place in Macao over the next couple of months as they are being showcased at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) in a vast exhibition called ‘Stately Demeanour: Costumes of Qing Emperors and Empresses from the Collection of the Palace Museum’. The display, which opened on 17 December and is running until 14 March, saw more than 10,000 locals visit it during its first three weeks alone. The exhibition is co-organised by the MAM and the Palace Museum, which sits within the Forbidden City in Beijing. The display, which showcases about 90 sets of costumes and accessories that were worn by Qing dynasty emperors and empresses, also marks the 21st year of collaboration between the museum and the MAM. Exhibition co-ordinator Irene Hoi Ian Chio says: “We started thinking about the exhibition’s theme around three years ago after the
success of the ‘Qing palace TV’ dramas, which were Chinese TV shows based in the Qing dynasty that had so many viewers hooked. In the past, we have exhibited calligraphy works and paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This time, we wanted to bring some exhibits of daily life to our audience.” Chio adds that the exhibits are unique: “Among the exhibits, there are 12 pieces that have never left the Palace Museum before. Plus, this is the MAM’s first exhibition that showcases the costumes of emperors and empresses.”
Plenty of drama The Qing dynasty ruled China from 1644 to 1911 and, ever since, it’s been a dynasty that’s stayed in the hearts and minds of people across the globe. Over the past few years, TV has done its part to keep it alive on the small screen. For instance, in 2018 two Chinese period dramas drew critical acclaim. The ‘Story of Yanxi Palace’ was set during the sixth year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign – he was the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty. And ‘Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace’ chronicled the marriage of the Qianlong Emperor and Hoifa-Nara, the Step-Empress. Often, these shows ran fictitious tales about power battles among the Qianlong Emperor’s concubines in the 18th century. Both series offered different interpretations of the characters at court with remarkable catfight plotting and fine performances – but what frequently fascinated audiences most was the
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