Forbidden City Study Notes

The Forbidden City is a historical architectural site located in modern-day Beijing, China.
Built during the Ming Dynasty between 1406-1420, it serves as a significant representation of imperial authority and cultural significance.

Formation: The Ming Dynasty was established in 1368 following a popular uprising that overthrew the last Emperor of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in China.
Key Figures:
- Hongwu Emperor: Born a Han peasant, he emerged as the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
- Yongle Emperor: Grandson of Hongwu, he executed a coup against his father to become the emperor.
Cultural Adoption: Ming dynasty emperors adopted traditional styles in art and architecture to distance themselves from Mongol influences, as evidenced in art depicting Kublai Khan's court, such as Liu Guandao's piece featuring a hunting expedition (c. 1280).

Confucian Principles: The Ming Dynasty court was characterized by ceremony, hierarchy, and adherence to Confucian cosmic order.
Manufacturing Growth: This period saw the rise in manufacturing luxury items, including:
- Ceramics
- Lacquered furniture
- Bronze sculptures
- Paintings
- Example: "Elegant Gathering in the Apricot Garden" (c. 1437) by Xie Huan listed among notable artistic works of the time.

Historical Background: Beijing was previously the capital of the Yuan Dynasty before the first Ming emperor razed it.
Capital Restoration: The Yongle Emperor reinstated Beijing as the capital and commissioned the construction of the Forbidden City, which would serve as:
- The residence of the imperial family
- A site for official duties.
Diplomatic Endeavors: He sent out seven treasure ships between 1405-1433 to broker diplomatic connections with luxury goods exchanges to formalize trading agreements.

Nested Walls: The layout features a complex of nested walled cities, including:
- Imperial City
- Inner City
- Outer City
Notable Structures:
- Bell and Drum Towers
- Various Temples (Earth, Moon, Agriculture, and Heaven)
- The Forbidden City itself representing the central axis of imperial control.

The Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings, reflecting organizational principles of bilateral symmetry.
Construction spanned from 1406-1420, with additional structures built into the 18th century, continuing to serve as the seat of government until 1912.

Timeframe: The primary construction phase lasted only three years (1417-1420), with significant logistical challenges, including transportation of materials.
Labor: Required approximately 1 million laborers and 100,000 craftsmen.
Material Handling: Logs could take up to four years to arrive by river, while marble was transported during winter on ice roads.

Hall of Supreme Harmony:
- Built in 1406, the current version was reconstructed between 1695-1697.
- Architectural motifs include:
- Double-eaved hip roof: Unique to imperial buildings.
- Color Symbolism:
  - Yellow roofs symbolize the emperor and earth, while red walls represent power and prosperity.
- Decorative Features: Imagery, such as dragons, symbolize imperial control across land, sea, and air.

Exploring the Forbidden City as a dignitary emphasizes controlled architectural circulation, allowing for a carefully curated experience reflecting imperial grandeur.

Shen Du: "Tribute Giraffe with Attendant" (1414), another artwork that exemplifies the era's artistic endeavors.
Symbolism: The architectural elements and construction styles reflect deep cultural, political, and social meanings embedded in the fabric of Ming dynasty society.

Students must pick up the Activity Sheet if absent, focusing on reflecting on learnt concepts
Daily questions will build upon recorded lectures, enhancing participation grades.
Activity Sheets are to be compiled in a 3-ring binder for later submission.