Page 102 - A Re-examination of Late Qing Dynasty Porcelain, 1850-1920 THESIS
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Chapter 2 – Yuan Shikai: The Last Imperial Patron
2.1 The Last Qing Emperor
When close to her death, Cixi selected Aisin-Gioro Puyi 愛新覺羅溥儀 to
become the next emperor, claiming that he was the adopted heir of the former Guangxu
Emperor. 106 He ascended the throne at the age of three, becoming the Xuantong Emperor
in 1908. 107 Puyi required a regent to oversee his imperial authority. While gaining
imperial control as regent was a successful tactic during the life of Empress Dowager
Cixi, it was not as effective under the leadership of Empress Dowager Longyu. 108 While
many reasons could account for the decline, it is worth noting that very little patronage of
the arts occurred during the reign of Puyi. Porcelain dating to this era is rare, creating a
sharp contrast to the grander levels of patronage achieved by Cixi during her rule. The
lack of art production contributed to the overall decline of Qing imperial authority.
Ultimately, imperial power was not widely supported, and many individuals supported
the idea of a republic rather than a monarchy.
By October 10, 1911, revolution raged in China. The turbulent times forced Puyi
to abdicate his throne on February 12, 1912. This drastic political decision marked the
end of China’s 3,000-year hereditary monarchy, moving China into what is considered
the modern era. According to “The Articles of Favorable Treatment for the Members of
the Qing Court,” the former emperor was allowed to continue residing in the back
106 Due to the Xuantong Emperor’s short rule and eventual abdication he is often referred by
scholars by his given name, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, rather than his reign name.
107 Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi and William John Francis Jenner, From Emperor to Citizen: The
Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi (Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1989), 31.
108 Puyi’s father Zai Feng (Prince Chun) was also given the title of Regent Supervisor of the State
and was allowed to accompany his son to the Forbidden City. Puyi was not allowed to see his
mother for the first seven years he resided within the Forbidden City.
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