POLYCHROME PAINTING IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE FORBIDDEN CITY IN SHENYANG (1625–1636): IMAGES AND ORNAMENTAL MOTIFS

In addition to being one of China's two remaining ensembles of imperial palaces, the Forbidden City in Shenyang is the only architectural complex that provides a sense of the characteristics of early Manchu Qing Dynasty architecture and decor. Shenyang's architectural polychrome decor, which showcases the variety of polychrome painting, reflects how many cultures (such as Manchu and Tibetan) influenced the development and evolution of Qing-era polychrome painting. Moreover, it offers valuable resources for researching the development and typology of ornamentation as well as the painting style of official polychrome paintings throughout the Qing era's many architectural periods.