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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Patent of Nobility
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Patent of Nobility

Date1644-1661
Mediumsilk and dye
DimensionsOverall: 12 x 164 3/4 in. (30.5 x 418.5 cm)
ClassificationsInformation Forms
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Ruxton Love
Terms
    Object number67.015.002
    DescriptionThis embroidered patent of nobility (gao ming) is a series of documents written in both Manchu, the language of the Qing imperial family, and Chinese. The documents chronicle the rise of a family of humble origins to nobility within the Qing empire. The history begins with Pien-zhu who was given a title for his participation in a southward campaign into Shandong province and the subjugation of the prefecture of Bien-jin. He is subsequently recognized for his services in surpressing bandits in Dong-chang Fu, where he lost his life. As a reward for this valorous service, an hereditary title and promotion was bestowed on his elder brother, Hun-zhu in the 4th year, 12th month, 17th day of the reign of the Shunzhi emperor (1648). With the unification of the empire under the Manchu, Qing dynasty, Pien-zhu's family was given an additional title on the occasion of ascendancy of the Empress Dowager (1651). Subsequent entries detail the history of the imperial favors granted to the descendants of Pien-zhu.
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    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    1795-1820
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Thomas Gainsborough
    ca. 1770-1775
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1830
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    16th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jacob Jordaens
    ca. 1620-1625
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1851-1855
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    late 17th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    David Park
    1959