Resplendent Innovations

A sophisticated integration of political and religious power through advanced fire-gilding techniques was achieved during the Qianlong reign (1736–1795) at the Qing Imperial Workshops. The study reveals how Tibetan-style sisa forging, rubia cordifolia burnishing, and multi-layered gilding were innovated, blending Nepalese, Tibetan, and Xinjiang craftsmanship to produce resplendent brass roof tiles and gilded artifacts. This technological advancement, managed by the Imperial Household Department, required meticulous control of gold and copper resources, as well as skilled labor, while re-enacting Tibetan religious culture in imperial centers like Chengde to culturally bind Mongol subjects to China. The research highlights the multicultural exchange underpinning these innovations and the strict financial oversight exercised through the Bullion Vaults, which logged substantial tribute gold far exceeding European counterparts.

Su, T.-c., & Lai, H.-m. (2021). 5 Resplendent Innovations. Making the Palace Machine Work, 157–186. https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048553228-012