Auspicious Beginning: Spring Festival Traditions in the Forbidden City

Taiping youxiang (great peace in the world) patterns decorate this cerulean blue python robe from the Guangxu reign (1875-1908) of the Qing dynasty

Taiping youxiang (great peace in the world) patterns decorate this cerulean blue python robe from the Guangxu reign (1875-1908) of the Qing dynasty

A 1738 painting of Emperor Qianlong and his sons admiring the snow during the New Year combines the skills of several court painters – Giuseppe Castiglione, Tang Dai, Chen Mei, Sun You, Shen Yuan and Ding Guanping

A 1738 painting of Emperor Qianlong and his sons admiring the snow during the New Year combines the skills of several court painters – Giuseppe Castiglione, Tang Dai, Chen Mei, Sun You, Shen Yuan and Ding Guanping

Designated for the ‘dance of promotion’, this red satin python robe is embroidered with cloud and dragon designs

Designated for the ‘dance of promotion’, this red satin python robe is embroidered with cloud and dragon designs

Expertly rendered sea wave, cloud and dragon patterns decorate this cloisonné enamel water pot, dating from the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

Expertly rendered sea wave, cloud and dragon patterns decorate this cloisonné enamel water pot, dating from the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

The ‘one hundred boys’ design, seen here in a carved red laquer box, expresses a wish for numerous sons. First popularised in the Song dynasty (960-1279), this example dates from the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

The ‘one hundred boys’ design, seen here in a carved red laquer box, expresses a wish for numerous sons. First popularised in the Song dynasty (960-1279), this example dates from the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

Crisp details mark this bronze abstinence figurine from the Qing dynasty

Crisp details mark this bronze abstinence figurine from the Qing dynasty

The tradition of hanging lanterns during the new year first appeared in the court during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

The tradition of hanging lanterns during the new year first appeared in the court during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

The tradition of hanging lanterns during the new year first appeared in the court during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

The tradition of hanging lanterns during the new year first appeared in the court during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

Around the base of the pavilion, a series of tiny detailed figures stand atop dragon heads

Around the base of the pavilion, a series of tiny detailed figures stand atop dragon heads

Perched on a delicate wooden base, this carved jasper shanzi (a traditional mountain sculpture) from the Qing dynasty depicts children at play

Perched on a delicate wooden base, this carved jasper shanzi (a traditional mountain sculpture) from the Qing dynasty depicts children at play

Smaller artefacts find a home in this golden pavilion, encouraging visitors to take a closer look

Smaller artefacts find a home in this golden pavilion, encouraging visitors to take a closer look

To mark China’s biggest annual celebration, the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) has teamed up with the Palace Museum to exhibit “Auspicious Beginning: Spring Festival Traditions in the Forbidden City”. The Forbidden City, following its completion in 1420, served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. For this exhibition, however, MAM and the Palace Museum chose to focus on artefacts associated with Spring Festivals held during the Qing dynasty (1644-1922).

The collaborative exhibition aims to deepen understanding of Spring Festival traditions and customs during this period, presenting aspects of worship rituals, family activities, court affairs, and recreations in a novel way.

More than 120 artefacts are being displayed, including calligraphic works, paintings, ancient books, royal seals, robes, ornaments, ritualistic objects, musical instruments, and handicrafts. This generous loan of artefacts from the Palace Museum includes many which are on display in Macao for the first time.

One of the highlights, according MAM Director Un Sio San, is a painting by the Italian artist Giuseppe Castiglione and other court painters depicting Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) celebrating the Lantern Festival.

“Like a family photo, the painting accentuates the continuation of the Chinese traditions and institutions from former dynasties,” he says. “The work not only reflects the emperor’s wish for his descendants’ prosperity and his subtle considerations in choosing an heir, but also establishes Emperor Qianlong as an ideal role model for self-cultivation, family management, state governance, and ensuring world peace.”

MAM’s broad goal is to promote Chinese culture and art, and Un says “Auspicious Beginning” has been curated to help Macao locals better understand cultural traditions.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, is on 23 January 2023. “Auspicious Beginning: Spring Festival Traditions in the Forbidden City” runs from 17 December to 5 March.