The painting of Five Bulls by Tang Dynasty painter Han Huang (723-787) was treated by Emperor Qianlong as a worship tool, showcasing the ruler's concern with his empire's masses.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Art and politics

Yang says that one man Qianlong particularly admired and sought to emulate－with his collection, if not his own paintings－was Zhao Ji (1082-1135). Known as Emperor Huizong, Zhao reigned for 25 years during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). A master painter and calligrapher with unmistakable personal style, Huizong was canonized in Chinese art history. If Qianlong was no artistic genius, Huizong was an absolute dunce as a ruler. Having been captured by invaders from the north, he suffered humiliation for nearly 10 years and eventually died in enemy territory when he was 53. His captors were the Nvzhen People, a nomadic group remotely related to the Manchus.

"Despite falling completely for Huizong as a born artist, Qianlong was ever mindful not to repeat his political disasters," Yang says. "Consequently, he made a deliberate effort to incorporate his artistic pursuits into his broader vision of governance."