In Memory of Chongqing: A Son’s Devotion

In this video, Daisy Yiyou Wang and Jan Stuart, co-curators of “Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912” discuss the story of the Qianlong emperor’s deep devotion for his mother, Empress Dowager Chongqing. The emperor commissioned the creation of this nearly 250-pound Buddhist stupa which holds a lock of the empress’ hair. This golden reliquary is one of the largest and most iconic objects in this landmark exhibition currently on view at the Smithsonian’s Freer|Sackler until June 23, 2019.

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Credit:

清乾隆 金发塔
Stupa containing Empress Dowager Chongqing’s hair and Amitayus Buddha
Imperial Workshop, Beijing
Qianlong period (1736–95), 1777
Gold and silver alloy with coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, semiprecious stones, and glass
Pedestal: zitan wood
(c) Palace Museum, Gu11866