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Collection of Qianlong (1735 - 1796 AD)
Sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty

The Qianlong Emperor reigned from 1735 to 1796. The reign was one of the longest in Chinese history. His series of military campaigns eliminated the Turk and Mongol threats to northeastern China, enlarged his empire by creating the New Province, and reinforced Chinese authority in the south and east.

Collection of YongZheng (1722 - 1735 AD)
Fifth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty

The Yongzheng Emperor reigned from 1722 to 1735. Under this rule, his main goal was to structure an effective government with minimal expense. The Yongzheng era was a period of peace and prosperity. The Yongzheng Emperor cracked down on corruption and reformed the personnel and financial administration. His reign saw the formation of the Grand Council, an institution which had an enormous impact on the future of the Qing dynasty.

Collection of KangXi (1654 - 1722 AD)
Fourth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty

The Kangxi Emperor reigned from 1661 to 1722 for 61 years, making him the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history. He ascended the throne at the age of seven but actual power was held for six years by four regents and his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. The Kangxi Emperor is considered one of China's greatest emperors. The Kangxi Emperor's reign brought about long-term stability and wealth after years of war and chaos. He initiated the period known as the "Prosperous Era of Kangxi and Qianlong" which lasted for several generations after his death. 

Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J., Lang Shinin

Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J., was an Italian Jesuit brother and missionary in China who served as an artist at the imperial court of three Qing emperors – the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors.