Documents in National Palace Museum, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Welcome to the National Palace Museum's collection of documents from the Qing dynasty! Here you can explore a variety of documents from this period, including Archives in Old Manchu, Archives of the Diary-keeper, Tripitaka in Tibetan and Manchu, Palace Memorials, Manuscripts and Packets from the Historiography Institute, Map of Taiwan and Illustration of Victory: Archives of the Grand Council. These documents provide us with an invaluable insight into Chinese culture during the Qing dynasty, and are sure to fascinate readers of all ages. Come take a look at these incredible artifacts today!

1. Archives in Old Manchu

In 1599, Nurhaci, the Manchu leader, ordered scholars Erdeni and others to create a written language for the Manchu people. This early form of Manchu, derived from Mongolian, was called Old Manchu.

2. Archives of the Diary-keeper

The "Ch'i-chu chu" was an official in imperial China whose duty was to record the daily actions and sayings of the emperor into what was known as the "Archives of the Diary-keeper." This type of historical information was similar to a diary in form.

3. Tripitaka in Tibetan / Tripitaka in Manchu

Buddhism has long been a major world religion. The translation of Buddhist scriptures, known as sutras, into Tibetan and Manchu not only preserved the language and history of these people in China but also assists in the study of Eastern culture. Sutras are therefore a crucial source of historical material.

4. Palace Memorials

In the early Qing dynasty, documents were submitted to the court following the system used in the previous Ming dynasty.

5. Manuscripts and Packets from the Historiography Institute

The Historiography Institute was established by the Hanlin Academy in order to compile official histories. In 1914, the Republic of China approved the establishment of a Qing Historiography Institute on the premises of the former Institute.

6. Map of Taiwan

This map of Taiwan is very long (667 cm) and wide (46 cm). It is a scroll-type paper-based color painting. The map uses a landscape painting method, which makes it look bright and elegant. It also has a lot of artistic value.

7. Illustration of Victory: Archives of the Grand Council

The "Illustration of Victory:Archives of the Grand Council" illustrates the course of pacifying the rebellions led by Dawats and Amursana (leaders of the Zunghar tribe, Oirats, Mongolia) as well as those led by Bulanidun and Hojijan (