Treasures of the Last Emperor: Selections from the Palace Museum, Beijing
末帝珍宝：北京故宫博物院藏品选萃

The popularity of The Last Emperor, an Academy Award-winning movie made in 1987, generated interest in the life of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), and in the imperial era of China, when Puyi became the ruler in 1908 at the age of three. His Xuantong 宣 统 reign lasted for only three years before he was forced to abdicate due to political upheaval. Puyi was, however, permitted to live in the Forbidden City until 1924. Presenting approximately sixty objects, this exhibition revealed many facets of the imperial life of Puyi and offered a glimpse into the Qing imperial court, which represented the culmination of four thousand years of China’s royal dynasties. The items selected for this exhibition were used by Puyi during his tenure in the Forbidden City, including toys, court robes, jade seals, scholarly objects, eyeglasses, and a set of cocktail cups.