Historical Asian Portraits

Portraits of royal and religious figures from Asian history, showcasing traditional attire and regal presence in detailed artworks.

Pu Kung, priest

Grand Prince Hyoryeong (1396 - 1486), personal name Yi Bo, was the second son and fifth child of King Taejong of Joseon and his wife, Queen Wongyeong. He was the elder brother of Sejong the Great of Joseon Korea

Pu Kung, priest

The Xianfeng Emperor (17 July 1831- 22 August 1861), born Yizhu, was the eighth Emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty, and the seventh Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1850 to 1861.

Emperor Wanli, 14th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1572-1620). Personal Name: Zhu Yijun, Zhu Yìjun. Posthumous Name: Xiandi, Xiandì. Temple Name: Shenzong, Shénzong. Reign Name: Ming Wanli, Ming Wànlì. The Wanli Emperor was emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) between 1572 and 1620. His era name means 'Ten Thousand Calendars'. The Wanli emperors reign is representative of the decline of the Ming. He was an unmotivated and avaricious ruler whose reign was plagued with fiscal woes, military pressures, and angry bureaucrats. During the closing years of Wanli's reign, the Manchu began to conduct raids on the northern border of the Ming Empire. Their depredations ultimately led to the overthrow of the Ming Dynasty in 1644. It was said that the fall of the Ming Dynasty was not a result of the Chongzhen Emperor's rule but instead due to Wanli's gross mismanagement. The Wanli Emperor died in 1620 and was buried in Dingling located on the outskirts of Beijing.

Empress Jing Xian came from the Manchu Yellow banner Ulanara clan. The Ulanara Empress was the daughter of Fiyanggu and was the first Empress Consort of the Qing Dynasty Yongzheng Emperor of China. Empress Xiao Jing Xian was probably born in the twentieth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign. It is written in the memoirs of a court attendant that in 1731 they celebrated the Ulanara Empress's fiftieth birthday.

Huizong was famed for his promotion of Taoism. He was also a skilled poet, painter, calligrapher, and musician. He sponsored numerous artists at his court, and the catalogue of his imperial painting collection lists over 6,000 known paintings. The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.

Emperor Jiajing, 12th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1521-1567). Personal Name: Zhu Houcong, Zhū Hòucōng. Posthumous Name: Sudi, Sùdì. Temple Name: Shizong, Shìzōng. Reign Name: Ming Jiajing, Ming Jiājìng. The Jiajing Emperor was the 12th Ming Dynasty Emperor of China who ruled from 1521 to 1567. His era name means 'Admirable Tranquility'. After 45 years on the throne (the second longest reign in the Ming Dynasty), Emperor Jiajing died in 1567 - possibly due to mercury overdose - and was succeeded by his son, the Longqing Emperor. Though his long rule gave the dynasty an era of stability, Jiajing's neglect of his official duties resulted in the decline of the dynasty at the end of the 16th century.

Kato Kiyomasa (1562 - 1611) Japanese daimyo of the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods. His court title was Higo-no-kami. His child name was Yashamaru, and first name was Toranosuke. He was one of Hideyoshi's Seven Spears of Shizugatake.

Nurhaci, alternatively Nurhachi (February 21, 1559 - September 30, 1626) was an important Manchu chieftain who rose to prominence in the late 16th century in what is today Northeastern China. Nurhaci was part of the Aisin Gioro clan, and reigned from 1616 to his death in September 1626. Nurhaci reorganized and united various Manchu tribes, consolidated the Eight Banners military system, and eventually launched an assault on China proper's Ming Dynasty and Korea's Joseon Dynasty. His conquest of China's northeastern Liaoning province laid the groundwork for the conquest of the rest of China by his descendants, who would go on to found the Qing Dynasty in 1644. He is also generally credited with the creation of a written script for the Manchu language.

Empress Cheng Xiao Zhao, consort of the 4th Ming Emperor Hongxi (r. 1424-1425).

Yi Sun-sin (April 28, 1545 - December 16, 1598) was a Korean naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty. Yi is also known for his innovative use of the 'turtle ship'. He is reputed to be one of the few admirals to have been victorious in every naval battle in which he commanded. Yi was killed by a single bullet in the Battle of Noryang on December 16, 1598. Yi remains a venerated hero among Koreans today.

Emperor Murakami (上天皇 Murakami-tennō, 14 July 926 - 5 July 967) was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967. Before he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Nariakira-shinnō (成明親王). Nariakira-shinnō was the 14th son of Emperor Daigo, and the younger brother of Emperor Suzaku by another mother. Murakami had ten Empresses and Imperial consorts and 19 Imperial sons and daughters.

This 1910 image shows a drawing of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (died 479 BC) taken from a stele in the year 1734 in Pe-Lin in Shensi (also Shaanxi) province of China.

Empress Xiaoan, consort of the 13th Ming Emperor Longqing (r. 1567-1572).

Joseon (Korean: 선; Hanja: 朝鮮; also Chosŏn, Choson, Chosun, Cho-sen), was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries, from July 1392 to October 1897. It was founded following the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo Dynasty in what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul. The kingdom's northernmost borders were expanded to the natural boundaries at the Amnok and Duman rivers through the subjugation of the Jurchens. Joseon was the last dynasty of Korean history and the longest-ruling Confucian dynasty. During its reign, Joseon consolidated its effective rule over the territory of current Korea, encouraged the entrenchment of Korean Confucian ideals and doctrines in Korean society, imported and adapted Chinese culture, and saw the height of classical Korean culture, trade, science, literature, and technology. However, the dynasty was severely weakened during the late 16

An unknown senior official, probably mandarin of the royal court, wearing hanfu or Chinese clothing of the Ming Era, painted by an unknown court painter.

Zhenzong's reign was noted for the consolidation of power and the strengthening of the dynasty. The country prospered, and its military might was further reinforced. However, it would also mark the beginning of a foreign policy towards the Khitan Empire (Liao Dynasty) in the north that would ultimately result in humiliation. Zhenzong founded the world's most celebrated ceramic kiln at Jingdezhen in 1004, which continued to produce porcelain for China's imperial use until the fall of the Qing Dynasty 900 years later. Zhenzong stressed the importance of Daoism at Court. From 1013 to 1015 he issued official decrees deifying the Jade Emperor as the highest ruler of Heaven.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) periods marks th

China: Empress Xiang (1047-1102), consort of Emperor Shenzong, 6th ruler of the Song Dynasty (r.1067-1085). Hanging scroll painting, c. 1067-1102. Empress Xiang, also known as Qisheng, was consort to Empress Shenzong. She had only one child, a daughter, but was the legal mother to future Emperors Zhezong and Huizong. She became Empress Dowager when Emperor Zhezong ascended to the throne. She acted as regent and co-ruler to Emperor Huizong for a time, and was active within palace affairs.

Tokugawa Ietsugu (August 8, 1709-June 19, 1716) was the seventh shogun of the Tokugawa Dynasty, who ruled from 1713 until his death in 1716. He was the son of Tokugawa Ienobu, thus making him the grandson of Tokugawa Tsunashige, daimyo of Kofu, great-grandson of Tokugawa Iemitsu, great-great grandson of Tokugawa Hidetada, and finally the great-great-great grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Jia Dao was a Chinese poet active during the Tang Dynasty. He was born near modern Beijing; after a period as a Buddhist monk, he went to Chang'an. He became one of Han Yu's disciples, but failed the jinshi exam several times. He wrote both discursive gushi and lyric jintishi. His works were criticised as 'thin' by Su Shi, and some other commentators have considered them limited and artificial.

China: Portrait of Dong Zhuo (- 22 May 192 CE), from a Qing Dynasty edition of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', released as Zengxiang quantu Sanguo yanyi

Li Bai has generally been regarded as one of the greatest poets in China's Tang period, which is often called China's 'golden age' of poetry. Around a thousand existing poems are attributed to him, but the authenticity of many of these is uncertain. Thirty-four of his poems are included in the popular anthology 'Three Hundred Tang Poems'. Many of the Classical Chinese poets were associated with drinking wine, or more precisely, alcoholic beverages. In fact, Li Bai was part of the group of Chinese scholars during his time in Chang'an, called the 'Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup', as mentioned in a poem by fellow poet Du Fu. However, Li Bai is of special note in this respect. As Burton Watson put it, 'nearly all Chinese poets celebrate the joys of wine, but none so tirelessly and with such a note of genuine conviction as Li Bai'. This lifestyle may have given rise to the story that Li Bai drowned after falling from his boat when he tried to embrace the reflection of the moon in the Yangt

Portrait of Sugawara Michizane, early 14th century, Unknown Japanese, 82 x 41 in. (208.28 x 104.14 cm), Ink and color on silk, Japan, 14th century, Sugawara Michizane (845-903) was a celebrated statesman and scholar during Japan's classic Heian period. His rivals, in an attempt to undermine his influence at court, falsely accused him of plotting to kill the emperor. As a result, Michizane was exiled to the island of Kyu_shu_ where he eventually died. Later, several calamities at court were attributed to Michizane's vengeful spirit. He was deified as the Shinto god Tenjin and shrines were dedicated to him in Kyoto and Kyu_shu_ in order to placate his ghost. Since that time, Michizane has been venerated as a patron saint of scholarship. Even today, students offer prayers to Michizane prior to taking important examinations. This portrait of Michizane shows him dressed in the formal black robes and lacquered cap of a high court official. The simple woven straw mat on which he sits, however

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.

Emperor Yongle, 3rd ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1402-1424). Personal Name: Zhu Di, Zhū Dì. Posthumous Name: Wendi, Wéndì. Temple Name: Chengzu, Chéngzǔ; Taizong, Tàizōng. Reign Name: Ming Yongle, Ming Yǒnglè. The Yongle Emperor was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty of China from 1402 to 1424. His Chinese era name Yongle means 'Perpetual Happiness'. He became emperor by conspiring to usurp the throne which was against the Hongwu Emperor's wishes. He moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing where it was located in the following generations, and constructed the Forbidden City there. After its dilapidation and disuse during the Yuan Dynasty and Hongwu's reign, the Yongle Emperor had the Grand Canal of China repaired and reopened in order to supply the new capital of Beijing in the north with a steady flow of goods and southern foodstuffs. He commissioned most of the exploratory sea voyages of Zheng He. During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. The Yongle Emp

Little is known about Shim Deuk-gyeong (1629-1710) except that he passed the lower civil service examination in 1693, the 19th year of King Sukjong. In this portrait he is wearing a Confucian scholar's overcoat and a tiered black horsehair hat and seated on a stool, in a three-quarter view from left. The two colophons, both composed by Yi Seo (1662-1723), reveal that the portrait was painted by Yun Du-seo (1668-1715) in the 11th month of 1710, the 36th year of Sukjong, four months after Shim's death.

A Chinese deity with dark complexion and beard, seated on a throne. Gouache painting by a Chinese artist, ca. 1850.

Chinese astronomer 1675

Madame Zhu, a Chinese lady of rank, wearing official robes of the civil 8th rank with an oriole bird. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) portrait.

Peking opera or Beijing opera (; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: Jingjù) is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century. The form was extremely popular in the Qing dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. Major performance troupes are based in Beijing and Tianjin in the north, and Shanghai in the south. The art form is also preserved in Taiwan, where it is known as Guoju (; pinyin: Guójù). It has also spread to other countries such as the United States and Japan.

Bảo Đại (22 October 1913 - 30 July 1997), born Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy, was the 13th and last ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty. From 1926 to 1945, he served as emperor of Annam under French 'protection'. During this period Annam was a protectorate within French Indochina. Annam today covers the central two-thirds of Vietnam (Contemporary Vietnam being a merger of Annam & the former French Indochina provinces of 'Tonkin' to the north & 'Cochinchina' in the south). Bảo Đại ascended the throne in 1932 at the age of 19. The Japanese ousted the French in March 1941 and then ruled through Bảo Đại. At this time, Bảo Đại renamed his country 'Vietnam'. He abdicated in August 1945 when Japan surrendered. He was chief of state of the State of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1949 until 1955. Bảo Đại was criticized as being closely associated with France and spending much of his time outside of Vietnam. Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm ousted him in a referendum held in 1955.

Tokugawa Ieyasu (January 31, 1543 - June 1, 1616) was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but remained in power until his death in 1616. Ieyasu was posthumously enshrined at Nikkō Tōshō-gū with the name Tōshō Daigongen.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598), Imperial Regent, 1585-1591; Chancellor of the Realm. 1587-1598. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (February 2, 1536 or March 26, 1537 - September 18, 1598) was a daimyo in the Sengoku period who unified the political factions of Japan. He succeeded his former liege lord, Oda Nobunaga, and brought an end to the Sengoku period. The period of his rule is often called the Momoyama period, named after Hideyoshi's castle. He is noted for a number of cultural legacies, including the restriction that only members of the samurai class could bear arms. Hideyoshi is regarded as Japan's second 'great unifier'.

The Yongzheng Emperor (13 December 1678 - 8 October 1735), was the fourth emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, and the third Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1722 to 1735. A hard-working ruler, Yongzheng's main goal was to create an effective government at minimum expense. Like his father, the Kangxi Emperor, Yongzheng used military force in order to preserve the dynasty's position. Suspected by historians to have usurped the throne, his reign was often called despotic, efficient, and vigorous. Although Yongzheng's reign was much shorter than the reigns of both his father, the Kangxi Emperor, and his son, the Qianlong Emperor, his sudden death was probably brought about by his workload. Yongzheng continued an era of continued peace and prosperity as he cracked down on corruption and waste, and reformed the financial administration.

Tayisung Khagan Toghtoa Bukha (1416-1453) khagan of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. The eldest son of Adai Khan, born in 1422, the year of the black tiger, in 1439, the year of the yellow sheep, Taisan Khan assumed the throne. He was killed in 1452, the year of the black monkey.

Emperor Taichang, 15th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1620). Personal Name: Zhu Changluo, Zhū Chángluò. Posthumous Name: Zhendi, Zhēndì. Temple Name: Guangzong, Guāngzōng. Reign Name: Ming Taichang, Ming Tàichāng. The Taichang Emperor was the 15th Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He was born Zhu Changluo, the eldest son of the Wanli Emperor and succeeded his father as emperor in 1620. However his reign came to an abrupt end less than one month after his coronation when he was found dead one morning in the palace following a bout of diarrhea. He was succeeded by his son Zhu Youxiao, who became the Tianqi Emperor. His era name means 'Great Goodness' or 'Great Prosperity'.

The Qianlong Emperor (Chinese pinyin: Qianlong Di; Wade-Giles: Chien-lung Ti) was the sixth emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper. The fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor, he reigned officially from 11 October 1736 to 7 February 1795. On 8 February (the first day of that lunar year), he abdicated in favor of his son, the Jiaqing Emperor - a filial act in order not to reign longer than his grandfather, the illustrious Kangxi Emperor. Despite his retirement, however, he retained ultimate power until his death in 1799. Although his early years saw the continuity of an era of prosperity in China, he held an unrelentingly conservative attitude. As a result, the Qing Dynasty's comparative decline began later in his reign.

The Imperial Noble Consort Chun Hui (1713 - 1760) came from the Manchu Sugiya clan. She was the daughter of Sujinam and was born in the fifty-second year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign. Lady Sugiya entered the imperial court during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor and became a concubine of the then Prince Hong Li (later the Qianlong Emperor). When in 1735 Prince Hong Li ascended the throne Sugiya was given the title of Concubine Chun. Later Lady Sugiya gave birth to two sons and a daughter. In 1760 Lady Sugiya was given the title of Imperial Noble Consort Chun (meaning purity). However, Lady Sugiya died half a year later in the twenty-fifth year of Qianlong Emperor's reign. She was given the posthumous title of Imperial Noble Consort Chun Hui and was later interred in the Yuling Mausoleum for consorts.

Tonggiya (or Tunggiya), Empress Shen Cheng, was of the Tongiya clan, and was the daughter of Shu Minga. She became a concubine in her early years and then became Daoguang's official wife in 1808 just after the death of Empress Xiao Mu Cheng. Lady Tongiya gave birth to the eldest daughter of the Daoguang Emperor in 1813, and was elevated to an Empress Consort in 1822. Empress Xiao Shen Cheng died in the thirteenth year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign, and was later interred into the Muling Mausoleum.

The Imperial Goddess of Earth is in charge of births, land, rivers, and mountains. In Daoist ritual, as well as the Three Pure Ones, the Four Heavenly Ministers are also worshipped. Each of the Four Heavenly Ministers has his own divine birthday: The Great Jade Emperor on the 9th of the first lunar month, the Middle Heaven Great Emperor of the North Pole Star of Purple Subtlety on the the 27th of the tenth month, the Great Heavenly Emperor of the Highest Palace of Polaris on the 2nd of the second month, and the Imperial Earth Goddess on the 18th of the third month. Many Daoists go to temples to burn incense on these days.

Nurhaci, alternatively Nurhachi (February 21, 1559 - September 30, 1626) was an important Manchu chieftain who rose to prominence in the late 16th century in what is today Northeastern China. Nurhaci was part of the Aisin Gioro clan, and reigned from 1616 to his death in September 1626. Nurhaci reorganized and united various Manchu tribes, consolidated the Eight Banners military system, and eventually launched an assault on China proper's Ming Dynasty and Korea's Joseon Dynasty. His conquest of China's northeastern Liaoning province laid the groundwork for the conquest of the rest of China by his descendants, who would go on to found the Qing Dynasty in 1644. He is also generally credited with the creation of a written script for the Manchu language.

Tenjin in Chinese Costume , 15th century. Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper, 30 1/4 x 13 1/2 in. (76.8 x 34.3 cm). Asian Art 15th century

This is the Portrait of Kim Yushin() in the "famous portrait photo book of Joseon" ("Joseon-Myeong-Hyeon-Cho-Sang-Hwa-Sa-Jin-Cheop

Buyan Sechen Khagan (1554-1604) was a Mongol king of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in Mongolia and was the eldest son of Tumen Jasagtu Khan whom he succeeded.

Emperor Gao (256 BC or 247 BC - 1 June 195 BC), commonly known within China by his temple name Gaozu (Wade-Giles: Kao Tsu), personal name Liu Bang, was the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, ruling over China from 202 BC to 195 BC. Liu was one of the few dynastic founders in Chinese history who emerged from the peasant class (another major example being Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty). In the early stage of his rise to prominence, Liu was addressed as 'Duke of Pei', referring to his hometown of Pei County. He was also granted the title of 'King of Han' by Xiang Yu, when the latter split the former Qin empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms. Liu was known by this title before becoming Emperor of China.

China: Emperor Xuanzu (Zhao Hongyi, 899-956), father of the first two Song emperors Taizu and Taizong, honoured posthumously as founding ancestor of the Song Dynasty. Hanging scroll painting, Song Dynasty (960-1279). Zhao Hongyi (899-956) was the father of Song Emperors Taizu (r. 960-976) and Taizong (976-997). He was a military general during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, serving under Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang. He was said to be a skilled horse archer.

The Daoguang Emperor (16 September 1782 - 25 February 1850) was the seventh emperor of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty and the sixth Qing emperor to rule over China proper, from 1820 to 1850.

Portrait of the Patriarch-Jion Daishi, founder of the Hosso sect, painting on silk, Japan, 161.2x129.3 cm. Japanese Civilisation, 11th century.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (February 2, 1536 or March 26, 1537 - September 18, 1598) was a daimyo in the Sengoku period who unified the political factions of Japan. He succeeded his former liege lord, Oda Nobunaga, and brought an end to the Sengoku period. The period of his rule is often called the Momoyama period, named after Hideyoshi's castle. He is noted for a number of cultural legacies, including the restriction that only members of the samurai class could bear arms. Hideyoshi is regarded as Japan's second 'great unifier'.

Sima Qian (, simplified ; Wade-Giles: Ssu-ma Ch'ien) was a Prefect of the Grand Scribes () of the Han Dynasty. He is regarded as the father of Chinese historiography for his highly praised work, Records of the Grand Historian ( or ), a 'Jizhuanti'-style general history of China, covering more than two thousand years from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Wu of Han. His definitive work laid the foundation for later Chinese historiography.

The Shunzhi Emperor (15 March 1638-5 February 1661) was the second emperor of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty, and officially the first Qing emperor to rule over China from 1644 to 1661. He ascended to the throne at the age of five (six according to traditional Chinese age reckoning) in 1643 upon the death of his father Hong Taiji, but actual power during the early part of his reign lay in the hands of the appointed regents, Princes Dorgon (posthumously titled Emperor Chengzong) and Jirgalang. With the Qing pacification of the former Ming provinces almost complete, he died still a young man, in circumstances that have lent themselves to rumour and speculation. He was succeeded by his son Xuanye, who reigned as the Kangxi emperor.

Portrait of Confucius, late 14th century, 115 x 27 1/2 in. (292.1 x 69.85 cm) (image), Ink and color on silk, China, 14th century, This large depiction of Confucius (Kongzi), one of the great cultural heroes of Chinese history, was most likely used in a temple or at an altar dedicated to his system of thought.

Empress Xiao Hui Zhang was of the Mongol Borjigit clan. When in 1653 Shunzhi's first Empress was demoted she was promoted to Consort. One year later she became officially Shunzhi's second Empress. When the Kangxi Emperor ascended the throne, Hui Zhang was made Dowager Empress, although she was not the biological mother of the new emperor. Empress Hui Zhang died in 1717 in the Imperial Palace, aged 76.

Akechi Mitsuhide (智光秀, c. 1528 - July 2, 1582), nicknamed Jūbei or called Koretō Hyūga no Kami (惟任日向守) from his clan name and title, was a samurai who lived during the Sengoku period of Feudal Japan. Mitsuhide was a general under daimyo Oda Nobunaga, although he became infamous for his betrayal in 1582, which led to Nobunaga's death at Honno-ji.

Mazu (Wade-Giles: Matsu, Vietnamese: Ma To) is the indigenous goddess of the sea who is said to protect fishermen and sailors, and is invoked as the patron saint of all Southern Chinese and East Asian persons. Born as Lin Moniang in Fujian around 960 CE, worship of Mazu began around the Ming Dynasty, when many temples dedicated to her were erected all across Mainland China, later spreading to other countries with Overseas Chinese populations. Mazu is widely worshipped in the south-eastern coastal areas of China and neighbouring areas in Southeast Asia, especially Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, and Vietnam, all of which have strong sea-faring traditions, as well as migrant communities elsewhere with sizeable populations from these areas. Mazu also has a significant influence on East Asian sea culture, especially in China and Taiwan.

Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.

Sukjong of Joseon (1661 - 1720); 19th king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea from 1674 to 1720. A skilled politician, he caused multiple changes of political alliance throughout his reign, switching among the Southerner, Westerner, Soron, and Noron political factions.

Mountain Deity. Korea, Joseon (1392-1910), 19th century. Paintings. Panel, ink and color on cotton

Emperor Seiwa (和天皇 Seiwa-tennō, 850-878) was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876. Seiwa was the fourth son of Emperor Montoku. His mother was Empress Dowager Fujiwara no Akirakeiko (明子), also called the Somedono empress 染殿后). Seiwa's mother was the daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (藤原良房), who was regent and great minister of the council of state. He was the younger half-brother of Imperial Prince Koretaka (惟喬親王) (lived 844-897).

Marco Polo in his writings tells of "gold king" or a "Roi d'Or," the name that the Mongols had given to the Chin/Golden Dynasty.

Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva with a thousand arms and thousand eyes, 981, painting on silk, China. Detail. Chinese Civilisation, 6th year of the Taiping Xingguo Period, 10th century.

Kau Jun, the 'venerable gentleman', wearing traditional costume, holding the 'Eight Trigrams' and 'Yin and Yang' symbol. Watercolour, China, 18--.

Scenes of Service from a small album known as 'Chinese Drawings: Court and Society', showing contemporaneous style and fashion at the Qing Court. The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. Qing rulers were of the Jurchen Aisin Gioro clan, a nomadic tribe that originated northeast of the Great Wall in contemporary Northeastern China. Over the course of its reign, the Qing became highly integrated with Chinese culture, learning Chinese and participating in rituals. The imperial examinations continued and Han civil servants administered the empire alongside Manchu ones.

China: 'Court Ladies Wearing Flowered Headdresses'. Detail of handscroll painting by Zhou Fang (c. 730-800), late 8th century. Consort Yang Yuhuan (719-756), often known as Yang Guifei (Guifei being the highest rank for imperial consorts), known briefly by the Taoist nun name Taizhen, is famous as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his later years. During the Anshi Rebellion, as Emperor Xuanzong was fleeing from the capital Chang'an, she was murdered because his guards blamed her cousin Yang Guozhong for the rebellion.

Emperor Gaozu of Tang (566 - June 25, 635), born Li Yuan, courtesy name Shude, was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Emperor Gaozu's reign was concentrated on uniting the empire under the Tang. Aided by Li Shimin, whom he created Prince of Qin, he defeated all other contenders. By 628, the Tang Dynasty had succeeded in uniting all of China. On the home front, he recognized the early successes forged by Emperor Wen of Sui and strove to emulate most of Emperor Wen's policies, including the equal distribution of land amongst his people, and he also lowered taxes. He abandoned the harsh system of law established by Emperor Yang of Sui as well as reforming the judicial system. These acts of reform paved the way for the reign of Emperor Taizong, which ultimately pushed the Tang to the height of its power. Emperor Gaozu passed the throne to Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong) in 626 and became Taishang Huang (retired emperor). He died in

Empress Xiao Sheng Xian was a daughter of Ling Chu, the First Prince Liang Rong of the Manchu yellow banner corps, and granddaughter of Prince Eidu of the Niuhuru Clan. Lady Niuhuru entered the Yongzheng Emperor's household in 1705. In 1711 she gave birth to Prince Hongli, the future Qianlong Emperor. Niuhuru was granted the title of the 'Consort Xi' in 1723. One year later she was granted the title of the 'Noble Consort Xi'. After the death of her husband in 1735, her son Hongli became the new Emperor. She was thus granted the title of the 'Imperial Dowager Empress Chong Qing'. The Qianlong Emperor often visited his mother. Niuhuru always joined the Emperor on his trips to the North and the South. By all accounts the Dowager Empress was widely respected. When she became too old for travelling, the Emperor stopped and travelled again after her death. The Emperor had great respect for his mother and would often seek her advice. Her sixtieth birthday was lavishly celebrated, poems read i

The Qianlong Emperor (Chinese pinyin: Qianlong Di; Wade-Giles: Chien-lung Ti; Mongolian: Tengeriin Tetgesen Khaan, Manchu: Abkai Wehiyehe, Tibetan: lha skyong rgyal po, born Hongli (25 September 1711 - 7 February 1799) was the fifth emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper. The fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor, he reigned officially from 11 October 1736 to 7 February 1795. On 8 February (the first day of that lunar year), he abdicated in favor of his son, the Jiaqing Emperor - a filial act in order not to reign longer than his grandfather, the illustrious Kangxi Emperor. Despite his retirement, however, he retained ultimate power until his death in 1799. Although his early years saw the continuity of an era of prosperity in China, he held an unrelentingly conservative attitude. As a result, the Qing Dynasty's comparative decline began later in his reign.

Picture Of Confucius In Great Hall Of Temple Qufu Province Shandong China

Emperor Uda (多天皇 Uda-tennō, May 5, 867 - July 19, 931) was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadami (定省) or Chōjiin-tei. Emperor Uda was the third son of Emperor Kōkō. His mother was Empress Dowager Hanshi, a daughter of Prince Nakano (who was himself a son of Emperor Kammu). Uda had five Imperial consorts and 20 Imperial children.

Ono Ranzan worked as an herbalist in the mid-Edo period. Herbalism is an ancient Chinese study involving research into plants and minerals, focusing on their importance for medicinal usage. Ranzan published Japans most comprehensive literature on herbalism, 'Honzo Koumoku Keimou (Enlightenment for Compendium of Materia Medica)' in 1803 and he is known to have contributed later to the expansion of natural history. He died in 1810 and his grave was built in Geisetsuin graveyard in Asakusa, but due to the impact of the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was moved to Nerima in 1927.

Sun Quan (182-252), son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period in China. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu. Yan Liben (Wade-Giles: Yen Li-pen, c. 600-673), formally Baron Wenzhen of Boling, was a Chinese painter and government official of the early Tang Dynasty. His notable works include the Thirteen Emperors Scroll and Northern Qi Scholars Collating Classic Texts. He also painted the Portraits at Lingyan Pavilion, under Emperor Taizong of Tang, commissioned in 643 to commemorate 24 of the greatest contributors to Emperor Taizong's reign, as well as 18 portraits commemorating the 18 great scholars who served Emperor Taizong when he was the Prince of Qin. Yan's paintings included painted portraits of various Chinese emperors from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) up until the Sui Dynasty (581-618) period.

Russian theatre costume design depicting Genghis Khan 1155 - 1227, born Temüjin founder, Khan (ruler) and Khagan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death.

Emperor Xuande, 5th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1425-1435). Personal Name: Zhu Zhani, Zhū Zhānjī. Posthumous Name: Zhangdi, Zhāngdì. Temple Name: Xuanzong, Xuānzōng. Reign Name: Ming Xuandei, Ming Xuāndé. The Xuande Emperor was Emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) between 1425-1435. His era name means 'Proclamation of Virtue'. The Xuande Emperor ruled over a remarkably peaceful time with no significant external or internal problems. Later historians have considered his reign to be the Ming dynasty's golden age.

Bao Zheng is today respected as a symbol of justice in China. Throughout history, his largely fictionalized stories have appeared in a variety of different literary and dramatic genres, and have enjoyed sustained popularity. Bao Zheng was born into a scholar family in Hefei, Anhui province. At the age of 29, he passed the highest-level Imperial examination and became qualified as a Jinshi. He was a magistrate in Bian (Kaifeng), the capital of the Song dynasty. He is famous for his uncompromising stance against corruption among the government officials at the time. He upheld justice and refused to yield to higher powers. After his death, Bao Zheng's stories were retold and preserved particularly in the form of performance arts such as Chinese opera and pingshu. Written forms of his legend appeared in the Yuan Dynasty in the form of Qu. In Ming Dynasty times the novel Bao Gong An increased his popularity and added a detective element to his legends. The Qing Dynasty novel The Seven Heroe

Emperor Daizong of Tang (727 ñ 779 AD); Li Yu. emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty.

Goddess Benten. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 23 3/4 in. (60.3 cm). Date: late 19th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Zhenzong's reign was noted for the consolidation of power and the strengthening of the dynasty. The country prospered, and its military might was further reinforced. However, it would also mark the beginning of a foreign policy towards the Khitan Empire (Liao Dynasty) in the north that would ultimately result in humiliation. Zhenzong founded the world's most celebrated ceramic kiln at Jingdezhen in 1004, which continued to produce porcelain for China's imperial use until the fall of the Qing Dynasty 900 years later. Zhenzong stressed the importance of Daoism at Court. From 1013 to 1015 he issued official decrees deifying the Jade Emperor as the highest ruler of Heaven.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960-1127) and Southern Song (1127-1279) periods marks th

Yi Sun-sin (April 28, 1545 - December 16, 1598) was a Korean naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty. Yi is also known for his innovative use of the 'turtle ship'. He is reputed to be one of the few admirals to have been victorious in every naval battle in which he commanded. Yi was killed by a single bullet in the Battle of Noryang on December 16, 1598. Yi remains a venerated hero among Koreans today.

Goddess Benten late 19th century Japan. Goddess Benten. Japan. late 19th century. Faience decorated with colored enamels (Satsuma ware). Edo (1615-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912). Ceramics

Confucius-Chinese Philosopher Artist Unknown Woodcut print

Qin Shi Huangdi First Emperor of Qin Dynasty

Sima Guang was born in 1019 in present-day Yuncheng, Shanxi to a wealthy family, and obtained early success as a scholar and officer. When he was barely twenty, he passed the Imperial examination with the highest rank of jinshi ('metropolitan graduate), and spent the next several years in official positions. In 1064, Sima presented to Emperor Yingzong of Song a book of five volumes, the Liniantu or 'Chart of Successive Years'. It chronologically summarized events in Chinese history from 403 BCE to 959 CE, and was something like a prospectus for sponsorship of his ambitious project in historiography. These dates were chosen because 403 BCE was the beginning of the Warring States period, when the ancient State of Jin was subdivided, which eventually led to the establishment of the Qin Dynasty; and because 959 CE was the end of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period and the beginning of the Song Dynasty. In 1066, he presented a more detailed 8-volume Tongzhi or 'Comprehensive Record

Painted Banner (Thangka) of Vajriputra, One of the Sixteen Great Arhats 1675-1725 Tibet. Pigment and gold on silk and cotton . Tibeto-Chinese

Emperor Taizong of Tang 599 649 second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China from 626 to 649 audience to the ambassador of Tibet

Guanshiyin or Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva associated with compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists, usually as a female. The name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin which means 'Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World'. Some Buddhists believe that when one of their adherents departs from this world, they are placed by Guanyin in the heart of a lotus then sent home to the western pure land of Sukhāvatī. It is generally accepted (in the Chinese community) that Guanyin originated as the Sanskrit Avalokiteśvara, which is her male form. Commonly known in English as the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin is also revered in Daoism as an Immortal.In Japan, Guanyin is called Kannon.

Empress Xiao Cheng Ren, also known as the Ren Xiao empress (26 November 1653 - 16 June 1674) was the first Empress Consort of the Kangxi Emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty of China. They were married in 1665. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren came from the Manchu Heseri clan, and therefore was known as 'Empress Heseri'. She was the daughter of Gabula, a granddaughter of Suoni and a niece of Songgotu. In 1669, Heseri gave birth to a son whom died at the age of three. In 1674, Heseri died while giving birth to Prince Yin Reng, who became the crown prince of the Kangxi Emperor at the age of two. Empress Xiao Cheng Ren died at age 20, and is thus considered the most short-lived Empress of the Qing Dynasty.

Japonés con traje y armas de ceremonia. Grabado del siglo XIX.

Emperor Zhengtong, 6th and 8th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1435-1449; 1457-1464). Personal Name: Zhu Qizhen, Zhū Qízhèn. Posthumous Name: Ruidi, Ruìdì. Temple Name: Yingzong, Yīngzōng. Reign Name: Ming Zhengtong, Ming Zhèngtǒng (1436-1449); Ming Tianshun, Ming Tiānshùn (1457-1464). Zhu Qizhen was an emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He ruled as the Zhengtong Emperor from 1435 to 1449, and as the Tianshun Emperor from 1457 to 1464. His first era name means 'Right Governance' and the second one means 'Obedient to Heaven'. The Tianshun Emperor died at the age of 37 in 1464 and was buried in the Yuling mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.

Genghis Khan founder of the Mongol Empire

The term Fu Lu Shou or Fulushou collectively refers to the concept of Good Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu), and Longevity (Shou). This Taoist concept is thought to date back to the Ming Dynasty, when the Fu Star, Lu Star and Shou Star were considered to be personified deities of these attributes respectively. The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life.

Detail of painting of the guardian deities, Suguksa Temple, Korea. Colours on canvas, 1795. Korean civilization, Choson period, 18th century.

A Young Scribe, Ali, Mir Sayyid, 1550

Yin'e, the 10th son of Kangxi, was stripped of all his titles in May 1724, and sent north to the Shunyi area as part of Emperor Yongzheng's struggle to assert himself against his various princely brothers.

Kublai Khan (1215-1294). From an old Chinese encyclopaedia at Paris.

The wife of Shir Ali Khan or Sher Ali, Sher Ali, 1825, 21 February 1879, Emir of Afghanistan from 1863 to 1866 and from 1868 to the end of his life, historical, digital reproduction of an original from the 19th century

oriental art oriental art Copyright: xZoonar.com/szefeix 4452741

Samurai (), usually referred to in Japanese as bushi (武士) or buke (武家), were the military nobility of medieval and early-modern Japan. By the end of the 12th century, samurai became almost entirely synonymous with bushi, and the word was closely associated with the middle and upper echelons of the warrior class. The samurai followed a set of rules that came to be known as bushidō. While the samurai numbered less than 10% of Japan's population, their teachings can still be found today in both everyday life and in modern Japanese martial arts.

Details of the paintings on the doors to the Johor Old Chinese Temple.

Temuer ibn Taraghai Barlas, 8 April 1336, 19 February 1405, was a Central Asian military leader and conqueror of the Islamic faith at the end of the 14th century, Historical, digitally restored reproduction of a 19th century original, exact date unknown

Image from a Set of Initiation Cards (Tsakali). Southern Tibet. Date: 1301-1500. Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 cm (6 1/4 x 5 3/4 in.). Ink and watercolor on paper. Origin: Tibet. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

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