Rulers of art

When asked to name the real-life monarchs most frequently portrayed in period films and television dramas, one answer that springs immediately to people's minds would be a three-generation trio: Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong — the grandfather, father and son who ruled the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in its prime. The three emperors' successive reigns culminated in a period in Chinese history characterized by expansive, stable territory, diligent governance, and social and cultural prosperity.

This history provides modern-day playwrights with abundant resources and great room for imagination. Plotlines creatively diversify, centering on the emperors' diligent rule, political maneuvering among princesses to seize the throne, anecdotes about the emperors' incognito visits, and harem rivalries for the emperors' favor; even time-travel romance is integrated to spice up the court infighting.

In historical reality, aside from their devotion to state affairs, the trio of monarchs preferred to spend their fleeting leisure time in the world of ink and brush, accompanied by cultured courtiers. The rulers left a wealth of paintings and calligraphic works created by themselves and in collaboration with favorite officials and court artists.

Visitors to the Guardian Art Center in downtown Beijing will lay their eyes upon a splendid selection of over 90 works from this legacy. The ongoing exhibition, Diligent Governance and Peaceful Realm: Paintings and Calligraphy of the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong Emperors and Their Literary Courtiers, on show through Oct 7, is showcasing pieces from the Palace Museum collection. The exhibition title is borrowed from the four characters engraved on a seal Kangxi often used — chi ji qing yan — expressing his desire for a tranquil mind in the intervals of handling state business.