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chinesehanfu · 2 months ago

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[Hanfu · 漢服]The past and present of "eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival"

As the Mid-Autumn Festival/Zhong Qiu Jie 中秋节 is coming, let us learn how “mooncakes/月饼” became an iconic traditional food of the Mid-Autumn Festival

🌕🥮Mooncake/月饼🥮🏮

A mooncake (simplified Chinese: 月饼; traditional Chinese: 月餅) is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節).The festival is primarily about the harvest while a legend connects it to moon watching, and mooncakes are regarded as a delicacy. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely regarded as one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

Mooncakes were originally used as offerings to worship the moon god.

Worshiping the moon is a very old custom in China. It is actually a worship activity for the "moon god" by the ancients. Eating mooncakes and appreciating the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival are indispensable customs for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in all parts of China. Mooncakes symbolize reunion. People regard them as festive food, use them to worship the moon, and give them to relatives and friends.

Cultural relics believed to be the predecessor of mooncakes were unearthed:

<China Tang Dynasty Baoxiang flower-patterned mooncakes/宝相花月饼>⬇️

Mooncakes, traditionally offered as a tribute to the Moon Goddess, have a long and rich history. The term "mooncake" was first recorded in the Southern Song Dynasty in Wu Zimu’s <梦梁录/Meng Liang Lu>.

Over time, mooncakes merged with various regional culinary traditions, giving rise to different styles such as Cantonese, Shanxi, Beijing, Suzhou, Chaozhou, and Yunnan mooncakes, all of which are beloved by people across China：

Mooncakes truly became associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival during the Ming Dynasty. In the writings of Liu Ruoyu 刘若愚, a eunuch during the reigns of the Wanli and Chongzhen emperors, he mentioned in his prison work Zhuozhong Zhi 《酌中志》(Vol. 20, "Brief Record of Culinary Preferences"): “八月宫中赏秋海棠、玉簪花。自初一日起，即有卖月饼者。加以西瓜、藕，互相馈送。西苑鹿藕。至十五日，家家供月饼瓜果，候月上焚香后，即大肆饮啖，多竟夜始散席者。如有剩月饼，仍整收于干燥风凉之处，至岁暮合家分用之，曰‘团圆饼’也”

Translation：

"In August, the palace having event appreciates autumn crabapple blossoms. From the first day of the month, mooncakes are sold,it accompanied by watermelons and lotus roots, and are exchanged as gifts.By the fifteenth day, every household offers mooncakes and fruits in worship, waiting for the moon to rise before burning incense and feasting lavishly, with some gatherings lasting all night. If there are leftover mooncakes, they are stored in a dry and cool place until the end of the year, when the whole family shares them, calling them 'reunion cakes.'

In the Qing Dynasty, there were books that detailed the methods of making mooncakes. For example, Zeng Yi, a female writer and female doctor in the late Qing Dynasty, recorded the "Method of Making Crisp Mooncakes" in her book "Zhongkuilu": "Use white ash flour, half of which is steamed in a steamer, and no water vapor is seen; the other half is raw, and kneaded with lard and cold water. Then, mix the steamed flour with lard. Use a ball of raw oil flour, and wrap a small ball of cooked oil flour inside; use a rolling pin to roll it into a cup-sized shape, fold it into a square; roll it into a ball again, and fold it into a square again; then wrap the filling. Use a cake stamp to stamp it, and put it on the stove to cook. For the oil-flavored filling, use cooked flour, sugar, walnuts, etc., and add a little sesame oil, so that it will not fall apart." The method is very similar to today's Suzhou-style mooncakes.

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chinesehanfu · 2 months ago

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Saw these tags in a reblog of my Chinese museum posts, and thought I have to make a response just so everyone is clear on how archaeological studies are carried out in China:

^Well, the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum is a Chinese museum displaying artifacts found in China, it's not the British Museum lol.

But anyway just so everyone knows, modern Chinese archaeology has a rule, which is that unless it's absolutely necessary, an ancient tomb/mausoleum should not be disturbed. This means that many of these artifacts in the museums are found in a few main ways:

Tombs that absolutely had to be excavated because there were clear signs of grave robbing present, for example when tunnels left by grave robbers were found near a known tomb. This is called "excavating to rescue" (抢救性发掘), it's done by teams of archaeologists, the artifacts found will then be studied and eventually find a home in museums in China. In comparison, actual grave robbers would steal artifacts and sell them for money; many stolen artifacts would end up in auctions, mostly outside of mainland China. This is why there is no "general positive sense" in the phrase "grave robbing with grant money" when it comes to archaeology in China. Modern Chinese archaeology and grave robbing are simply not comparable in any way whatsoever.

Tombs that absolutely had to be excavated because new infrastructure will be built in that location. Such exacavations are also included in excavating to rescue. Examples include tombs in Xi'an city that had to be excavated because a metro was being built. Since Chinese people and Chinese culture are native to China, there are no ethical problems whatsoever, this simply a question of what matters more, the welfare of living Chinese people or the abstract afterlives of ancient Chinese people. Obviously, the welfare of living Chinese people is a more important matter. As for the argument of "but this goes against traditional culture", first, a culture is only alive if the people of that culture is alive and doing well, otherwise that culture is as good as dead; second, a major part of traditional Chinese culture IS focused on the welfare of descendants (ex: the belief that the spirits of ancestors will protect their descendants), so I'm sure our ancestors would be proud to see us doing well.

Tombs that were excavated because archaeologists were absolutely sure that artifacts discovered within would make major contributions to the study of Chinese history. This is pretty much the only exception to the rule of "excavating to rescue", and it is very rarely allowed. An example is the Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project (夏商周断代工程), where the main focus is to gain a clearer picture of the timeline of ancient Chinese history, when dynasties began/ended, when major events may have happened, etc.

Artifacts that were found when arresting grave robbers. These are called "recovered artifacts" (追回文物).

Artifacts that returned to China from foreign countries, these are called "returned artifacts" (回归文物). A big portion of these artifacts ended up in foreign countries precisely because of grave robbers, and another big portion were and are still lost for the same reason as why the British Museum has so many artifacts from around the world.

Artifacts that were discovered scattered throughout China. There are three facts to consider here: 1) China has a long history and as a result, there are vast amounts of existing artifacts; 2) tombs are material things and thus are subject to the elements; 3) not everyone is an archaeologist. Combine these, and you have situations were valuable artifacts were found in places like the chicken coop of a farmer (this is how the eagle-shaped pottery ding was found).

Donations. Some artifacts were family heirlooms that were donated to museums.

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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[Hanfu · 漢服]China Early Tang Dynasty (618–907AD) Traditional Clothing Hanfu Photoshoots

Early Tang Dynasty｜Musings on the Begonia

During the Early Tang period, clothing still retained the styles of the preceding Sui Dynasty as well as the Northern and Southern Dynasties, featuring flowing sleeves that conveyed a sense of elegance and grace.

【Tang Dynasty Pipa】

Tang Dynasty Pipa in the Shosoin Repository in Japan

The pipa of the Tang Dynasty, with its curved neck and four strings, differs significantly from the modern Chinese pipa that we see today. In the Tang Dynasty, the pipa had a neck that bent 90 degrees backward, making it difficult to view the head of the instrument from the front. This feature earned it the name "curved-neck pipa." In contrast, the modern pipa, though descended from the Tang pipa, has a head that bends backward at the joint with the neck and then curves upward, making the entire head visible.

Additionally, the Tang Dynasty pipa had only four strings made of silk, while the modern pipa has been modified to include 6相24品, totaling 30 pitch positions. It uses steel and steel-wound nylon strings, resulting in a significant difference in range and timbre from the Tang Dynasty pipa.

Furthermore, the Tang pipa was traditionally played with a plectrum resembling a spatula, known as a "bozi/拨子" Although there are records of fingerpicking and some surviving scores for fingerstyle pipa, the use of the plectrum was the predominant method of playing during the Tang Dynasty. This tradition continued to influence neighboring Japan, where the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument that arrived from the Yuan Dynasty, also adopted the plectrum instead of the original finger plectra.

Due to the use of a bozi/拨子, the face of the pipa would endure more abrasion, which is why we can see from murals from the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties that the pipa's face had a wide leather protective layer known as the "hanbo/捍拨 " The Tang Dynasty's luxurious aesthetic extended to this area, with pipa decorations often incorporating lavish amounts of gold, silver, precious stones, and inlaid mother-of-pearl. Today, however, since modern pipa players use their fingers to play, this decorative protective layer has become obsolete, and it is no longer seen on the belly of contemporary pipa.

We can also observe the pipa from the Tang Dynasty period in the following Tang Dynasty artworks:<唐人宫乐图/A Palace Concert>

The Tang Dynasty pipa and its performance style continued into the Song Dynasty：<The Night Revels of Han Xizai/韓熙載夜宴圖/韩熙载夜宴图>

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Photographer's creative thought process

The begonia has no fragrance, but on spring nights, it seems to carry an indescribable, pure scent—like a faint mist. After cycling past it on several nights and immersing myself in this elusive aroma, I finally brought this sensation into the studio as a scene. This resulted in the series of images you see here.

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📸Photographer：@白秋月

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#chinese hanfu #Early Tang Dynasty (618–907AD)#hanfu #hanfu accessories #hanfu_challenge #chinese traditional clothing #chinese #china #hanfu photoshoot #pipa #琵琶 #History of musical instruments #instruments #漢服 #汉服 #中華風

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Song Dynasty(960–1279AD)Emperor Traditional Official Hanfu

The official uniform of the Chinese Song Dynasty emperor in "Serenade of Peaceful Joy"

【Historical Reference Artifacts】:

Portrait of Emperor Taizu (21 March 927 – 14 November 976)of Song Dynasty, kept in the National Palace Museum

Portrait of Emperor Yingzong (16 February 1032 – 25 January 1067) of Song Dynasty, kept in the National Palace Museum

Many people may curious about why the emperors of the Song Dynasty did not wear the classic yellow, but instead wore white or red round-necked robes.

During the Han and Tang dynasties, yellow was exclusively associated with imperial authority. According to the theory of "the Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)"which is Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth, yellow represented the center and symbolized the legitimacy of imperial power. However, during the Song Dynasty, due to political changes, Emperor Taizong decided to shift this tradition and adopt red as the new symbolic color for the dynasty. The court officials supported this change and provided various justifications, such as the theory of fire's virtue and the idea of red being a color of celebration, among others.

【Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty<Zhao Kuangyin/赵匡胤>】

Emperor Taizu of Song (21 March 927 – 14 November 976), personal name Zhao Kuangyin, courtesy name Yuanlang, was the founding emperor of the Song dynasty of China. He reigned from 960 until his death in 976. Formerly a distinguished military general of the Later Zhou dynasty, Emperor Taizu came to power after staging a coup d'état and forcing Emperor Gong, the last Later Zhou ruler, to abdicate the throne in his favor.

During his reign, Emperor Taizu conquered the states of Southern Tang, Later Shu, Southern Han, and Jingnan, thus reunifying most of China proper. To strengthen his control, he lessened the power of military generals and relied on civilian officials in administration. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Zhao Kuangyi (Emperor Taizong).

Early life

Born in Luoyang to military commander Zhao Hongyin, Zhao Kuangyin grew up excelling in mounted archery. Once, riding an untamed horse without a bridle, he knocked his forehead on the wall above the city gate and fell off, but got right back up and chased the horse, eventually subduing it while going unharmed. In the mid-940s, he married Lady He on his father's arrangement. After wandering around for a few years, in 949 he joined the army of Guo Wei, a jiedushi (military governor) of the Later Han dynasty, and helped Guo quell Li Shouzhen's rebellion.

Career under Later Zhou（后周）

In 951, Guo Wei rebelled and created the Later Zhou dynasty. Because of his brilliant combat skills, Zhao Kuangyin was promoted to a palace guard commander. Chai Rong (Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou) frequently met Guo Wei and noticed Zhao Kuangyin's potential. Under his command, Zhao Kuangyin was made into a commander of the cavalry units. Under Chai Rong, Zhao Kuangyin's rise to power had begun.

Zhao Kuangyin's career started at the Battle of Gaoping, against the alliance of the Northern Han and Liao dynasties.

This rivalry started when Chai Rong ascended the throne and Liu Chong decided to work with the Liao dynasty. In the initial confrontation, the army's right flank, led by Fan Aineng (樊愛能) and He Hui (何徽), was defeated. Looking at the situation, Zhao Kuangyin and Zhang Yongde (張永德) led 4000 elite Palace troops to counter the Liao army. Zhao Kuangyin's exhortation for the loyalty to the emperor quickly strengthened morale. The small force held off the larger Liao army until reinforcements arrived. In the end, the successful counter repelled the Northern Han back to Taiyuan.

The victory raised Zhao Kuangyin up to the post of the grand commander of the palace guards, as well as reorganising and training them. More importantly, he developed the relations with other generals and officials related to the Chief of Palace, including Shi Shouxin, Wang Shenqi (王審琦), Yang Guangyi (楊光義), Wang Zhengzhong (王政忠), Liu Qingyi (劉慶義), Liu Shouzhong (劉守忠), Liu Yanrang (劉延讓), Mi Xin (米信), Tian Chongjin (田重進), Pan Mei, his brother Zhao Kuangyi, Shen Yilun (沈義倫), Lu Xuqing, Zhao Pu (趙普), Chu Zhaofu (楚昭輔). Within a few years, Zhao Kuangyin completely controlled the palace guards and even developed a set of officials under him with the people mentioned above.

Soon, he was promoted to a jiedushi (military governor), controlling most of the military power under Chai Rong. Nevertheless, he still had two rivals – Zhang Yongde (Guo Wei's son-in-law) and Li Chongjin (Guo Wei's nephew). In 959, after a trap[clarification needed] set by Zhao Kuangyin, Zhang Yongde was demoted. After the death of Chai Rong, the Later Zhou throne was left to his seven-year-old son Guo Zongxun, and the second rival, Li Chongjin, soon found himself lacking the political backing. As a result, Zhao Kuangyin was able to use his influence to transfer Li Chongjin to Yang Prefecture as a jiedushi.

Chenqiao Mutiny/陈桥兵变

Main article: Chenqiao Mutiny20th-century illustration of Zhao Kuangyin being proclaimed emperor by the army of the Later Zhou dynasty.

In 960, word reached the chancellor Fan Zhi that Northern Han and Liao dynasties were once again allied to invade them again. Without verifying the reliability of the hearsay, Fan Zhi sent Zhao Kuangyin to combat the alliance. After traveling 40 li, there was a clamour that a "prophet" saw two suns fighting, and that this meant the transfer of the Mandate of Heaven to Zhao Kuangyin. The story effectively spread around the army: there came discontent of the "command" of the young emperor and a shift of loyalty to Zhao Kuangyin. A few days later, when Zhao Kuangyin was drunk in his tent, all the troops had not slept the whole night; they got their weapons and started yelling. Zhao Pu and Zhang Kuangyi, who were guarding the tent, saw the situation and went into the tent to wake up Zhao Kuangyin. When Zhao Kuangyin came out, all the troops yelled, "The army is without a master, we are willing to make the general the new emperor." Allegedly, Zhao Kuangyin took the power reluctantly, only under the urging of his soldiers. The midnight mutiny of officers forcibly urged Zhao Kuangyin to the throne; but, when the officers presented him to the troops as their new commander-in-chief he refused the imperial nomination until they swore unconditional obedience to him as leader.[6] News of the rebellion soon reached the court and chaos erupted. The only person who thought about a resistance was Han Tong, but he was killed by one of Zhao Kuangyin's generals when he reached home.

Upon entering the capital to take his seat on the throne, Zhao Kuangyin made an executive order prohibiting the troops from looting the city or otherwise violating the rights of the population.

This coup would allow Zhao Kuangyin to become emperor in 960.With the gates opened for him, he became emperor with no resistance. Before the chancellor Fan Zhi could say anything, one of Zhao Kuangyin's generals pointed a sword at him and said, "We are without masters. Today, we must have an emperor." After the officials looked at each other and knew it was hopeless to resist; they all bowed down. With the court under control, Zhao Kuangyin was officially proclaimed emperor. The new dynasty's name, Song, was inspired by the army Zhao Kuangyin commanded in Song Prefecture.

After the declaration, Zhao Kuangyin sent the dethroned young emperor Guo Zongxun with his mother to the Western Capital (西京). He personally ordered the Zhao family to receive the Chai family into their family's care for generations.

As emperor

Emperor Taizu playing cuju with Zhao Pu, by the Yuan dynasty painter Qian Xuan (1235–1305)

In 960, Zhao Kuangyin helped reunite most of China proper after the fragmentation and rebellion between the fall of the Tang dynasty in 907 and the establishment of the Song dynasty. The plan set during Chai Rong's reign was to first conquer the north, then the south. During Emperor Taizu's reign, there was a change in strategy. He would conquer all the smaller states such as Later Shu, Southern Han and Southern Tang. The exception was the strong Northern Han in the north at Taiyuan supported by the Khitans of the Liao dynasty. Emperor Taizu's strategy was to win over the independent southern states[8] as the south was weaker than the north as the Liao dynasty supported Northern Han.

In 968, Emperor Taizu personally led the army against the Northern Han. At first, his forces tore through the defences and placed Taiyuan under siege, but was ultimately forced to retreat after he struck against the defences of the Northern Han with the Liao cavalry coming in to support.Portrait of Emperor Taizu, who founded the Song dynasty

Emperor Taizu established the core Song Ancestor Rules and Policy for the later Song emperors. He was remembered for his expansion of the imperial examination system such that most of the civil service were recruited through the exams (in contrast to the Tang where less than 10% of the civil servants came through exams). He also created academies that allowed a great deal of freedom of discussion and thought, which facilitated the growth of scientific advance, economic reforms as well as achievements in arts and literature.

Emperor Taizu is well known for bringing the power of the military under control, ending the era of the warlords, centralizing the state over regional commanders and so preventing anyone else rising to power as he did.[8] Upon becoming emperor, he invited the general officers to a lavish banquet, where he convinced them all to retire as military leaders or accept minor posts, in favour of enjoying extensive estates and generous retirement funds and benefits which he then offered them.At a certain point during the feast, the new emperor made a speech to the military officers assembled there, which he began by expressing his deep gratitude to each and all of them for placing him on the throne, and that now that he had the power to do so, he wished to reward them to the utmost of his ability; then he went on to say that he thought the present company would all understand that he could not feel at ease on his new throne, with them continuing in command of their various armies of troops: and, he said, that if they duly considered the ramifications of the matter, neither would they. He then sincerely promised that they and their families would live in happiness and harmony, if they accepted his offer to retire with the stated benefits: eventually, none of the generals refused his terms, and thus began a period of relative internal peace within the realm for the duration of the Song dynasty which he thus founded, also better securing the military forces for involvement with the rival surrounding empires.

Many Song and later sources record the story of the "Taizu's Oath", which forbade his successors from killing scholar-officials. However, this story might be a later construct.

Death and succession dispute

Tomb of Emperor Taizu in the Yongchang Mausoleum, Gongyi, Zhengzhou

Emperor Taizu reigned for seventeen years and died in 976 at the age of 49. Curiously, he was succeeded by his younger brother, Zhao Kuangyi (Emperor Taizong), even though he had two grown sons – Zhao Dezhao, the Prince of Yan (951–979), and Zhao Defang, the Prince of Qin (959–981). The traditional historical accounts place emphasis on the role Zhao Kuangyin's mother played in the decision which was made shortly after the Song dynasty was proclaimed (around 961). So for nearly his entire reign, it was known and accepted that Zhao Kuangyi would succeed him.

In folklore, the story known as "shadows by the candle and sounds from an axe" is very popular and suggests that Emperor Taizu was murdered by his brother, who was after the throne.After his death, Taizu was interred at the Yongchang Mausoleum, near Gongyi.

After Emperor Taizong, the line of succession passed on to his son and descendants rather than those of Emperor Taizu. However, when Emperor Gaozong (1127–1161) failed to produce an heir, he selected a descendant of Emperor Taizu to be his adopted heir to succeed him in 1161. After 1161, all the subsequent Song emperors were descended from Emperor Taizu through his two sons, Zhao Dezhao and Zhao Defang.

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#chinese hanfu #Song Dynasty(960–1279AD)#Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty #hanfu #hanfu accessories #hanfu_challenge #chinese traditional clothing #china #chinese #yuanlingpao #mens hanfu #mens headwear #胶宗模玩jiaotoys #漢服 #汉服 #中華風 #Serenade of Peaceful Joy

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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chinese hanfu | yuanlingpao in tang styale and song style

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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art reference of chinese hanfu by 念一个稚年

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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[Hanfu · 漢服]Chinese Western Han (202 BC–9 AD) Traditional Clothing Hanfu Photoshoot

She is the emperor's sister, She is also the emperor's aunt.

【About Princess Guantao Liu Piao/馆陶公主刘嫖】 Princess Guantao, Liu Piao (born before 188 BCE—died before 116 BCE), was the daughter of Emperor Wen of Han and Empress Dou, and the sister of Emperor Jing of Han. She was granted the title of Princess Guantao, but after marrying Chen Mu of Tangyi(堂邑)Marquis, she was also known as Princess Tangyi. As the aunt of Emperor Wu of Han, she was honored with the title of Dowager Dou(窦太主). Her daughter, Chen, became the first empress of Emperor Wu of Han.

Liu Piao's birth year is unknown, but her younger brother, Emperor Jing of Han (Liu Qi/刘启), was born in 188 BCE. At that time, their father, Emperor Wen of Han (Liu Heng/刘恒), was only fifteen years old and still a vassal king of han dynasty, so Liu Piao's birth year is unlikely to be later than 188 BCE. In September 180 BCE, Liu Heng was ushered to Chang'an and ascended the throne as Emperor Wen. A few months later, Liu Qi was made Crown Prince, Empress Dou was made appointed, and Liu Piao was given the title of Princess Guantao. During this period, Liu Piao married Chen Mu, Marquis of Tangyi, and they had at least two sons and one daughter. Chen Mu became the third-generation Marquis of Tangyi in the third year of Emperor Wen’s reign (177 BCE), but the exact date of Liu Piao's marriage to him is no longer verifiable.

During the Reign of Emperor Jing of Han(Princess's brother) Peirod

In 157 BCE, after Emperor Jing of Han ascended the throne, Princess Guantao Liu Piao continued to frequently visit the palace. With the favor of Dowager Dou and the indulgence of Emperor Jing, she became a significant figure in the Han court. During this time, her son Chen Jiao was granted the title of Marquis of Longlü because of his mother's status.

Liu Piao was adept at political maneuvering and used her daughter, Chen Shi（陈氏）, as a political pawn. Initially, she intended to marry Chen Shi to Crown Prince Liu Rong(刘荣), the son of Lady Li(Concubine). However, due to her frequent introduce of beautiful women to Emperor Jing, which caused deep conflict with Lady Li, this proposal was firmly rejected by her. Enraged, Liu Piao later sought a marriage alliance with Consort Wang, who agreed to the match. Through the combined efforts of Liu Piao and Consort Wang, Crown Prince Liu Rong was deposed and made the King of Linjiang in the seventh year of the Yuan era (150 BCE), and two years later, he was forced to death, with Lady Li also dying from grief.

Soon after, Consort Wang was made Empress, and her son, Liu Che（刘彻）, was established as Crown Prince and married Chen Shi（陈氏）.

During the Reign of Emperor Wu of Han(汉武帝)

In 141 BCE, after Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che/刘彻) ascended the throne, Chen Shi was made Empress（陈氏）. As the granddaughter of Dowager Dou and the daughter of Princess Guantao Liu Piao, who had contributed to the appointment of Liu Che as Crown Prince, Chen Shi enjoyed significant favor. At this time, Princess Guantao Liu Piao had been elevated by the emperor and was honored with the title Dowager Dou(窦太主).

Later, Emperor Wu favored Wei Zifu(卫子夫), a singer from the residence of his sister, Princess Pingyang(平阳公主). This situation made Empress Chen extremely jealous, especially since she was childless and unable to conceive despite seeking medical help. Meanwhile, Wei Zifu(卫子夫) became pregnant. As a result, Empress Chen resorted to witchcraft, but Emperor Wu discovered her actions, leading to her deposition in the fifth year of the Yuan Guang era (130 BCE).

By 129 BCE, after the death of Dowager Dou Liu Piao's husband, Chen Mu, she was a woman in her sixty year old, living as a widow. At this time, she became infatuated with a handsome young man named Dong Yan(董偃). Dong Yan(董偃)'s mother had been a pearl seller, and from the age of thirteen, he had frequently visited the home of Dowager Dou Liu Piao. Known for his good looks, Dong Yan was summoned by Dowager Dou Liu Piao, who took him into her household, where he was educated and trained in various skills. At eighteen, Dong Yan served as Dowager Dou's attendant and also acted as her inner chamber servant. His gentle and kind nature, combined with their illicit relationship, led many to address him as “Lord Dong/董君.”

Later, Anling Yuan Shu(安陵爰叔) advised Dong Yan to suggest to Dowager Dou that she offer the Changmen Garden as a separate palace to Emperor Wu. Emperor Wu was pleased with this gesture and renamed the garden “Changmen Palace.” Dowager Dou, delighted with this outcome, rewarded Yuan Shu generously.

Subsequently, Anling Yuan Shu suggested that Dong Yan propose to Dowager Dou that she be ill and unable to see Emperor Wu. When Emperor Wu visited to inquire about her health, Dowager Dou expressed a desire to host him. After Dowager Dou recovered, Emperor Wu was invited to a banquet. During the event, Dowager Dou removed her jewelry, knelt to apologize to Emperor Wu, and then had Dong Yan do the same. Throughout the banquet, Dowager Dou and Dong Yan showed great respect and hospitality to Emperor Wu, who was very pleased. As a result, Dong Yan became highly favored and frequently participated in palace activities.

Han dynasty scholar-official DongFang Shuo(東方朔) was quite critical of Dong Yan, disapproving of his affair with the princess, which he felt undermined moral standards and distracted the ruler from his duties. Emperor Wu gradually distanced himself from Dong Yan, who fell out of favor and died in his thirties. After losing Dong Yan, Princess Guantao Liu Piao lived for several more years before her death. Her final wish was not to be buried with her husband, Chen Mu, but rather to be interred with her lover, Dong Yan, in Balin. This request is considered the beginning of more extravagant practices among princesses and noblewomen.

In the first year of the Yuanding era (116 BCE), her two sons, Chen Xu, Marquis of Tangyi, and Chen Jiao, Marquis of Longlü, committed suicide during their mother's mourning period due to their involvement in illicit affairs(with woman)and disputes over inheritance. The title of Marquis of Tangyi was abolished. A few years later, her daughter, the deposed Empress Chen Shi, also passed away.

In Chinese history, princesses were often unfortunate victims of political marriages and diplomatic alliances. However, there are also many fortunate examples, such as Princess Guantao. Unlike many others confined by the conservative constraints of a feudal empire, she lived a life of personal freedom and pursued her desires, breaking free from traditional limitations.

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#chinese hanfu #hanfu #Western Han (202 BC–9 AD)#hanfu accessories #hanfu_challenge #chinese traditional clothing #china #chinese #chinese history #china history #woman in history #Princess Guantao #漢服 #汉服 #中華風

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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Princedom of Zhou of Ming Dynasty 明朝周王世系图 (CN/EN)

The first Prince of Zhou in the Ming dynasty was Zhu Su, the 5th son of Hongwu Emperor. The princedom was located at Kaifeng, Henan, and passed down over 13 generations and inherited by 13 persons.

See the full-sized watermarked charts on my Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/u/rws_princeofxindino

For charts without watermarks please support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/princedom-of-of-73503723...

Discord group: https://discord.gg/QfV3KYYph7

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chinesehanfu · 3 months ago

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[China Makeup history]The production of concealer powder for women in the Northern Wei Dynasty(386–535)of China 1,500 years ago

The author's experience of the production process is as follows:

1.Concealer powder for women in the Northern Wei Dynasty. After experiencing the entire production process, my first impression: the rice soaked for more than 20 days is really smelly! like the biological weapon my painful expression doesn't require any acting skills, but the rice soaked for many days is very soft and sticky, and it is very convenient to rub or grind it by hand (Women with no strength like me can quickly grind it into pulp in 5 minutes)

2.The process is complicated and the production takes more than 30 days. The resulting "rice powder" is indeed delicate. Although its adhesion cannot compare with today's cosmetics, it is still very good as a basic makeup powder for women more than a thousand years ago.

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🧚🏻‍Production & Model/Makeup：@曾嚼子

🔗 Xiaohongshu:http://xhslink.com/uc8W4S

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#chinese hanfu #Northern Wei Dynasty(386–535)#China Makeup history #hanfu #hanfu accessories #chinese traditional clothing #hanfu_challenge #china #chinese #cosmetics #historical makeup #historical fashion #曾嚼子 #Concealer powder #漢服 #汉服 #中華風

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chinesehanfu · 4 months ago

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[China Tang Dynasty]Chinese Armor:The Dunhuang Heroes | 敦煌英雄

The ShaZhou/沙洲(China Dunhuang, old name) is still there, and the Tang Dynasty is still there!

The yellow sand flowing through fingers represents the lost youth and blood and tears of the Guiyi Army(归义军) of the Tang Dynasty in Dunhuang. They are not quicksand but the shining golden soul of the Tang Dynasty army.

This series of works is inspired by the upcoming Chinese Tang Dynasty historical film "Heroes of Dunhuang/敦煌英雄".

The film tells the story of the Guiyi Army in the Tang Dynasty. After the An Lushan rebellion broke out, the Tubo/吐蕃 invaded Shazhou/沙洲 (now Dunhuang City, Gansu Province China). In 848, Zhang Yichao/张议潮 led his people to revolt and drive out the Tubo rulers, recovering Shazhou and starting the tragic story of the Guiyi Army for 200 years.

The story revolves around Zhang Yichao, a general in the late Tang Dynasty of China, who led the people of Shazhou and other places to break free from the rule of the Tubo/吐蕃 nobles.

Zhang Yichao (Chinese:��張議潮 or 張義朝; pinyin: Zhāng Yìcháo; 799−872) was a Chinese military general and politician of the Tang dynasty who was a resident of Sha Prefecture (Chinese: 沙州; pinyin: Shāzhōu, in modern Dunhuang, Gansu,China). When the Tibetan Empire/吐蕃 plunged into civil war, he led a rebellion, capturing several cities and reverted the area's allegiance to the Tang dynasty. He subsequently conquered the Hexi Corridor and governed it as the military commissioner (jiedushi) of Guiyi Circuit (headquartered in modern Dunhuang) under nominal authority of the Tang emperors.

Following the An Lushan Rebellion, the Tibetan Empire conquered the Sha and Gua prefectures of the Tang dynasty in 781. Han population of the locality remained. By 851, the Tibetan Empire which had ruled the southern Tarim Basin and modern Gansu region since 790 was being torn by civil war.

In the second year of Jianzhong (781),Sha Prefecture, which had held out for many years, also fell. After the fall, the people of Hexi were ravaged by Tubo. Adult males became slaves, farming and grazing; the elderly and weak were killed, and some were "cut off their hands and eyes" and then abandoned. The people wanted to return to the Tang Dynasty day and night.

During his growing years, Zhang Yichao personally experienced the brutal rule of Tubo, which aroused his anger. Feeling the desolate scene of the people's livelihood under the rule of Tibetan Empire/吐蕃, Zhang Yichao sympathized with the people's suffering and had great respect for Feng Changqing, a famous general who was framed by the eunuch Bian Lingcheng in the suppression of the " An Lushan Rebellion". He personally write a"Feng Changqing Death Letter"

The "Zhang Huaishen Monument/张淮深碑" records that Zhang Yichao "discussed military affairs and swordplay, and studied martial arts classics" on Sha Prefecture. He believed that "the fate of Tibetan Empire was over", so he "vowed to return to his country, with no doubt in his determination." To this end, he began to accumulate power and seek support from many parties, such as:

1.Dunhuang's prestigious and influential families such as the Su, Zhang, and Li clans had numerous members and substantial strength. They made significant contributions during Zhang Yichao's uprising and the reconquest of Hexi Corridor.

2.Buddhist monks and disciples. Despite being highly respected by the Tubo for his profound knowledge of Buddhism, the eminent monk Hong Bian of Hexi was appointed 'Chief Executor of the Vinaya and Teacher of Conduct' but 'longed for his homeland and wished to be under the Imperial wind,' so he did his utmost to assist Zhang Yichao in reclaiming Shazhou. Buddhism in the Western Regions was thriving, with a large number of followers, and the extensive influence of these monks among the people instilled a deep-seated spirit of resistance against Tubo, driven by their influence;

3.Heroes and righteous men. Figures such as Zhang Yichao's trusted subordinates Deputy Anjing and tribal leader Yan Yingda (also known as Shang Yanshin) were renowned local heroes.

↑Mural commemorating victory of General Zhang Yichao over the Tibetans in 848. Mogao cave 156, Late Tang dynasty

↑<Zhang Yichao Leading the Army Mural>: The man on the left, wearing red, is Zhang Yichao.

It was with the great help of these people that Zhang Yichao clearly put forward the slogan of "returning to the country" and widely organized and united forces from all sides.

After the 9th century, the strength of the Tibetan Tubo Empire continuously declined, with frequent internal turmoil. During the Huichang era (841-846 AD), Tubo Empire suffered consecutive years of disasters and famines, leading to widespread starvation and epidemic, with corpses lying next to each other.

During this period, the Tibetan Tubo general Lun Kongre led five thousand cavalry to Gua Prefecture, plundering the eight prefectures of Hexi including Shanshan and Kuo. This action not only stirred great resentment among the people of Hexi but also caused discontent among his subordinates, who all desired to rebel against him.

↑China Dunhuang Mural Showing Zhang Yichao departure

When the time was ripe, Zhang Yichao launched a rebellion in Sha Prefecture in the second year of Dazhong (848 AD), leading his forces in a fierce battle to expel the Tibetan garrison. After the Tibetan army retreated, they gathered reinforcements from the surrounding areas and besieged Sha Prefecture again. Zhang Yichao led his troops out of the city and defeated the Tibetans, finally establishing a foothold in Sha Prefecture

This unrest quickly spread like wildfire and even caused major turmoil within the Tibetan Empire. Tibetan historical texts record that this rebellion '起于康，遍及全藏，如鸟飞百影，四面楚歌，天下大乱' Lun Kongre also rebelled, seized power within Tibet, proclaimed himself prime minister, and engaged in mutual slaughter with the Tibetan military governor of Shanshan, Shang Bipib."

In 863, Zhang Yichao led a group of 7,000 Han and non-Han soldiers to capture Liang Prefecture (涼州, in modern Wuwei, Gansu).

In 866, Zhang submitted a report stating that the Uyghur chieftain Pugu Jun (僕固俊) had recaptured from the Tibetan Empire Xi Prefecture, Ting Prefecture (庭州, in modern Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang), Luntai (輪台, in modern Ürümqi, Xinjiang), and Qingzhen (清鎮, modern location unknown)—apparently implying that Pugu Jun did so under his command.

In 867, Zhang Yichao visited Chang'an and paid homage to Emperor Yizong of Tang. Yizong made him a general of the imperial guards and kept him at Chang'an. Yizong also commissioned Zhang's nephew Zhang Huaishen (張淮深) to serve as the acting military governor of Guiyi.He died in 872, probably while residing at Chang'an.