The Three Treasures of the Forbidden City

This collection at the National Palace Museum contains imperial objects from various Chinese dynasties, including ornate gold cups, jade burners, and lacquered plates. They are displayed in dedicated exhibition halls where temperature and humidity are carefully controlled to keep them in good condition.

These objects were brought from mainland China to Taiwan in 1949 to protect them during a time of major upheaval. The collection spans several imperial periods and reflects hundreds of years of artistic achievement.

The collection shows how Chinese craftspeople mastered their trade through detailed designs and rare materials refined over generations. You can see the care and skill that went into creating each object.

The objects are displayed in climate-controlled rooms, so dress comfortably and plan to spend time looking closely. It helps to allow your eyes time to take in the fine details of each piece.

Many objects bear inscriptions from Emperor Qianlong, showing they came directly from the imperial court. These personal marks connect each piece to a specific moment in the past.