Introduction:
In February 2020, a set of black and white ** from the late 50s of the 19th century was unveiled at Sotheby's in the United Kingdom and sold for £200,000**. This lot is not an ordinary **, but a group of precious historical and cultural heritage, recording the magnificent landscape of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty in the Qing Dynasty. The discovery has attracted a lot of attention from people of Chinese descent around the world, and it also reminds us of the glorious history of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty and the cultural losses suffered during the Anglo-French invasion of China. This article will take you to gain an in-depth understanding of the history and importance of the imperial gardens, the construction and splendor of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty, and the analysis of the fall and cultural loss of the Three Gardens. Let's take a journey through this haunting history.
1. The history and importance of the royal gardens
The imperial gardens of ancient China were not only representatives of architecture, but also carriers of culture, which carried the noble status and authority of the emperor, and also reflected the history and culture of the Chinese imperial family. These gardens were not only places for the emperor's leisure and entertainment, but also world-class landscape artworks.
In Chinese history, the development of imperial gardens has undergone the evolution and reform of many dynasties. From the confinement of the Yin and Shang dynasties, to the palaces of the Qin and Han dynasties, and then to the imperial gardens of the Tang and Song dynasties, the royal gardens gradually evolved into different styles and characteristics. However, the real pinnacle came during the Qing Dynasty, of which the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty are among the most prominent representatives. These gardens, such as the Summer Palace, the Summer Resort, and the Old Summer Palace, are not only beautiful, but also carry the history and culture of the Chinese royal family, and have become treasures of Chinese civilization.
Located in Beijing, the Three Gardens of the Old Summer Palace are composed of three parts: the Summer Palace, the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Resort, and are the pinnacle of Chinese imperial garden architecture. Among them, the Old Summer Palace was built in the last years of Kangxi, which was originally an ordinary garden, and was later rewarded to the Yongzheng Emperor and named "Yuanming". Emperor Yongzheng expanded the Old Summer Palace, imitating the architectural style of the Forbidden City, and opened up the "Forty Views of Water Island Pavilions", making it a large garden covering an area of 3,000 acres. During this period, the Old Summer Palace had begun to show the unique charm of China's imperial gardens, while also incorporating Western architectural elements.
During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, he continued to expand the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty, among which the Changchun Garden, for example, covers an area of more than 1,000 acres, built with European-style buildings and large fountains, showing the perfect fusion of European and Chinese cultures. During this period, the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty became the pinnacle of China's imperial garden architectural skills, and their splendor and luxury are still unmatched. In the construction of the Old Summer Palace, not only the traditional Chinese garden design, but also the integration of Western art and architectural elements, forming a unique style, demonstrating the diversity of cultures and the importance of communication.
Second, the construction and glory of the Three Yuan Ming Palaces
The construction of the Old Summer Palace began in the last years of the Kangxi Dynasty, when the emperor Yongzheng rewarded this garden and gave it the name "Yuanming". Emperor Yongzheng set out to expand the Old Summer Palace, turning it into a royal garden covering an area of 3,000 acres. He imitated the architectural style of the Forbidden City, built antique buildings, pavilions and pavilions in the park, and opened up the "Forty Views of Water Island Pavilions", including lakes, mountains, water islands, pavilions and other landscapes. The design of these landscapes is exquisite, skillfully blending natural and human elements, showing the unique charm of ancient Chinese gardens.
With the succession of Emperor Qianlong, the construction of the Old Summer Palace was further expanded. Emperor Qianlong divided the garden into a number of areas, among which the Changchun Garden is the most representative. Covering an area of more than 1,000 acres, Changchun Garden is built with European-style buildings and large fountains. These architectural styles absorb elements of Western culture and demonstrate the exchange and integration of China and the world. In the Changchun Garden, people can enjoy the landscape of Chinese and Western styles, and feel the harmonious coexistence between different cultures.
The construction of the Three Yuan Ming Gardens not only shows the splendor of China's imperial garden architecture, but also reflects the love and respect of the Chinese emperor for culture and art. The cultural relics and artworks in the park are rich and colorful, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other art forms. These precious cultural relics are not only the decoration of the garden, but also the treasures of Chinese culture, representing the artistic level and aesthetic concept of the time.
The construction and glorious period of the Three Yuan Ming Gardens not only reflected the rule and cultural promotion of the Chinese emperor, but also reflected the situation of social harmony and economic prosperity. The garden architecture of this period was not only the emperor's private garden, but also a symbol of the state, representing the strength and prosperity of China.
3. The fall of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty and the loss of culture
However, the glorious history of the Three Yuan Ming Palaces did not last, and in 1856 it faced unprecedented destruction. When the Anglo-French invaded China, they destroyed this world-class garden, which had lasted for nearly two centuries, plundered treasures, and smashed artifacts that could not be taken away. This incident not only led to the loss of cultural heritage, but also left eternal pain in the hearts of the Chinese people.
The aggression of the British and French forces caused great damage to the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Palace. They burned down the buildings, looted artifacts and works of art, and even destroyed the landscape with artillery. This tragedy left the Three Yuan Ming Palaces in ruins, and the remaining buildings still bear the scars of the invaders' artillery fire, making people lament the tragic scene of this once world-class garden.
The fall of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Dynasty was not only a loss of cultural heritage, but also a great tragedy of Chinese history. This beautiful garden not only represents Chinese culture and art, but also carries the emotions and memories of the Chinese people. The aggression of the British and French forces has deeply humiliated and angered the Chinese, and at the same time made them cherish their cultural heritage even more.
To this day, the remaining relics and relics of the Three Yuan Ming Palaces are like sleeping treasures, showcasing the suffering and splendor of Chinese history in museums and collections around the world. Although the buildings in the park can no longer be restored, these precious relics have survived, allowing future generations to learn about this history and remember the glory of the past.
Conclusion:
The history and splendor of the Three Yuan Ming Palaces, as well as their fall and cultural loss, constitute an unforgettable story. This story reflects the unique charm and cultural value of China's imperial garden architecture, and also warns us to cherish our cultural heritage and maintain the integrity of history. The aggression of the British and French forces is a deeply regrettable and angry event, which makes us reflect on the relationship between aggression and culture, and calls on people to jointly preserve and pass on history and culture. May the story of the Three Gardens of the Old Ming Palace always be remembered in our hearts, become the driving force for us to cherish our cultural heritage, and let the glory of history never be erased.