- 2536
HONGLI (EMPEROR QIANLONG) 1711-1799 | Manuscripts of Sidexulun (Continued Discourse on the Four Morality) and draft of Imperial Poem
Estimate
400,000 - 600,000 HKD
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Description
- Manuscripts of Sidexulun (Continued Discourse on the Four Morality) and draft of Imperial Poem
- ink on paper, a set of five pieces
- various sizes
titled, and with Qianlong's annotation in cinnabar ink
Literature
1. Yuzhi wen san ji [Imperial proses, vol. 3], juan 2: ji, pp. 7
2. Guo chao gong shi xu bian [Sequel of the imperial house and court history], juan 14, pp. 5
3. Baxun wanshou shengdian [The Grand Celebration of Emperor Qianlong's 80th Birthday], juan 4, pp. 3-4 & juan 3, pp.16
2. Guo chao gong shi xu bian [Sequel of the imperial house and court history], juan 14, pp. 5
3. Baxun wanshou shengdian [The Grand Celebration of Emperor Qianlong's 80th Birthday], juan 4, pp. 3-4 & juan 3, pp.16
Catalogue Note
Side Lun (Discourse on the Four Morality) and Sidexulun (Continued Discourse on the Four Morality) were self-encomia that the Qianlong Emperor composed on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. In these two texts, the emperor summarises the remarkable accomplishments of his life. The "Four Morality" refers respectively to "position", "reward", "fame" and "longevity."
This manuscript of Continued Discourse on the Four Morality is the original, autographical text brushed and marked by the Emperor himself. It is invaluable for us to glimpse into the emperor in his private being. Every edition seen here is purposeful and meaningful. By turns, the emperor elaborates on or adds a supporting classical reference; shifts the wording in a self-deprecating direction; adds a tonal marker to avoid the reader's misapprehension of emphasis as rhetorical question; and delves more deeply into an argument already made in the first Discourse, emphasising that the value of the Continued Discourse as a new and independent intellectual contribution. The two Discourses on the Four Morality were of immense significance during the late Qianlong period. As the emperor himself put it, "I wrote the Discourses as a form of self-admonishment and also to show the various ministers who present their poetry and encomia." It is clear that Qianlong emperor regarded the two Discourses more highly than the other poetry and essays that he wrote. According to official Qing records of the ceremonies celebrating his eightieth birthday, "The princes and the officials and students below them all followed, reverentially composed their imitations, and similarly bowed to read the emperor's two Discourses on the Four Morality." This shows the importance and far-reaching influence of the two texts.
This manuscript of Continued Discourse on the Four Morality is the original, autographical text brushed and marked by the Emperor himself. It is invaluable for us to glimpse into the emperor in his private being. Every edition seen here is purposeful and meaningful. By turns, the emperor elaborates on or adds a supporting classical reference; shifts the wording in a self-deprecating direction; adds a tonal marker to avoid the reader's misapprehension of emphasis as rhetorical question; and delves more deeply into an argument already made in the first Discourse, emphasising that the value of the Continued Discourse as a new and independent intellectual contribution. The two Discourses on the Four Morality were of immense significance during the late Qianlong period. As the emperor himself put it, "I wrote the Discourses as a form of self-admonishment and also to show the various ministers who present their poetry and encomia." It is clear that Qianlong emperor regarded the two Discourses more highly than the other poetry and essays that he wrote. According to official Qing records of the ceremonies celebrating his eightieth birthday, "The princes and the officials and students below them all followed, reverentially composed their imitations, and similarly bowed to read the emperor's two Discourses on the Four Morality." This shows the importance and far-reaching influence of the two texts.