Emperor Kangxi

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

Emperor Shengzu (reigned 1661–1722), better known by the era name of Kangxi, was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). He had an original name of Aisin Gioro Xuanye. The longest reigning emperor in Chinese history, his rule lasted 61 years. Emperor Kangxi was a well-read and learned man, being a skilled poet and writer. He was also proficient in mathematics, astronomy, science, physics, geography, and art. In addition to Chinese and Manchurian, Emperor Kangxi was fluent in several ethnic languages.
During the early years of his rule, Emperor Kangxi established new guidelines for the sculpting of Buddhist statues. These guidelines imparted great influence on the artistic style of sculptures during this time and in the future. Becoming a devout Buddhist in middle age, he took the precepts under the First Jetsun Dampa Zanabazar. Also talented in calligraphy, the emperor’s handwritten copy of the Heart Sutra was neat and elegant.
Emperor Kangxi’s calligraphy and sculptures are found in several different locations across China. Stele of Puren Temple, engraved with his calligraphy, is located in Hebei; statues of Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong, and the Five Hundred Arhats, are at Baoguang Temple in Sichuan; and there is a Kangxi Imperial Stele Pavilion at both Longxing Temple in Hebei and Daming Temple in Jiangsu. Furthermore, horizontal inscribed boards bearing his imperial calligraphy are displayed at several other temples. Additionally, his calligraphic scripting of the Medicine Buddha Sutra is at Xichan Temple in Fujian.