Imperial artistry

Emperor Qianlong's passion for calligraphy and painting is the subject of an ongoing exhibition at the Palace Museum, Wang Kaihao reports.

If he had not become emperor, Qianlong, whose reign lasted from 1736 to 1795 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), would have instead seen his name etched in history as an artist or a writer.

Even as a ruler known for presiding over an era of booming social prosperity in China, the emperor was adept at taking time out from running state affairs to explore his passion for fine art.