The Influence of Prince Yi Yunxiang on the Court Art of the Yongzheng Reign

Abstract

During the Yongzheng reign, the court arts, including painting, porcelain, enamelware, snuff bottles, furniture, etc., reached a remarkably high level. This was not only attributed to the personal artistic cultivation and aesthetic preferences of Emperor Yongzheng but also, crucially, to the direct management of the Office of Palace Affairs by Prince Yi Yunxiang. Yunxiang shared an inseparable bond with Emperor Yongzheng since childhood, and he was well aware of the emperor's preferences. Yunxiang himself possessed excellent taste, enabling him to better implement Emperor Yongzheng's aesthetic preferences and establish the "Internal Court Respectful Production" style. Furthermore, Yunxiang led the utilization of Western missionaries, infusing fresh vitality into Qing court art and creating a distinctive aesthetic trend in the Yongzheng era.