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E-mail Xinhua, September 9, 2024
A special exhibition launched by the Palace Museum in Taipei is seeking to reveal the life stories of princesses from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) based on the voluminous imperial archives in its collection.
The exhibition titled "Behold the Gungju! Princesses in Qing Archives" consists of five sections, detailing the life journeys of Qing princesses from their births and marriages through to their funerals.
"History is full of 'unheard voices' -- individuals who, though scarcely mentioned in official records, lived rich lives and shaped their times in unique ways," said Su Feng-nan, curator of the exhibition, in a lecture Sunday. "Women are among those people whose stories often went untold in the male-dominated societies of the past."
Drawing primarily on the museum's collection of Qing imperial archives, the exhibition explores the status, relationships and life stories of these royal women, examining their roles and significance within the political landscape of the Qing Empire, Su said.
Some documents are being exhibited for the first time, such as "The List of Dowries for the Marriage of Gulun Princess," which recorded more than 300 articles ranging from jewelry to toothbrushes.
Some historical facts are revealed, for instance, the fact that the average life-span of Qing princesses was 26 years.
"When I was younger, I thought princesses lived carefree lives. Today, I see a more nuanced and complex picture of their existence, and it leaves me with deeper feelings," said a visitor from Taipei surnamed Lin.
"Although female figures are rare in history textbooks, Qing princesses frequently appear in Taiwan's operas and TV dramas, so we feel a certain familiarity with them," she added.
When preparing for the exhibition, the museum collaborated with several schools in Taiwan, gathering insights from younger generations about their perceptions of princesses. These perspectives are showcased in the exhibition.
"I hope the exhibition not only presents a diverse and compelling portrayal of history, but also encourages visitors to reflect on contemporary life and societal issues," Su said.
The exhibition opened Saturday and will last till Dec. 1.
