Artwork Page for Battle at Yixi'er Ku'ernao'er: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

Details / Information for Battle at Yixi'er Ku'ernao'er: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

Battle at Yixi'er Ku'ernao'er: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

c. 1765–74; poem dated 1766
(Italian, d. 1781)
Measurements
Overall: 51 x 87 cm (20 1/16 x 34 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view

Description

This set of etchings was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to record in pictorial terms the courage of his generals and soldiers in quelling the rebellions in the Western Regions. Qianlong added his own poem to each of the etchings, indicating his appreciation and pride in this demonstration of military might. "Western Regions" refers to the present-day Xingjiang province, often described in Western writing as "Central Asia."
An etching in fine black and gray lines depicts a panoramic battle scene amidst a rugged mountain landscape. Numerous soldiers on horseback charge through craggy terrain toward a group of infantrymen across a central river. Dense strokes detail the rocky peaks and sparse trees filling the background. At the top center, columns of Chinese calligraphy and two red seals are featured against the pale sky (see "Inscriptions").

Battle at Yixi'er Ku'ernao'er: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

c. 1765–74; poem dated 1766

Jean Damascene Sallusti

(Italian, d. 1781)
China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign (1736–95)

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