Stupa, Qianlong mark and period (1736—95). Gilded metal and silver inlaid with ruby, turquoise and lapis lazuli. The Palace Museum, Beijing.
Religion
All the Qing emperors understood the importance of supporting the major religions within the Empire — traditional Manchu shamanism, Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. Christianity and Islam were tolerated. The Qianlong Emperor in particular was closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism while the Yongzheng Emperor was also involved in Chan Buddhism – the Chinese equivalent of Zen Buddhism. Painted hangings and embroideries in this gallery compliment depictions of the Qianlong Emperor as the Bodhisattva Manjushri. A Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but vowed not to leave the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) until all other beings are enlightened. Buddhist utensils and scriptures are also included.
