Qing Dynasty imperial edict box

The imperial edict box (Fengtian Gaoming Box) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) is a treasured artifact housed at the Confucius Museum in Qufu, Shandong. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, the box measures 44.7 centimeters in length, 20.8 cm in width, and 41.5 cm in height.

Crafted from gilded carved wood, the box features a vertical blue plaque at its center inscribed with the phrase "Fengtian Gaoming", meaning "by imperial mandate", in both Manchu script and mandarin Chinese characters. Surrounding the plaque are intricately carved swirling cloud dragons, with rolling waves adorning the lower section.

This exquisitely crafted box was specifically designed to store and preserve imperial edicts bestowed upon the Kong family. The box serves as a testament to the close relationship between the Kong Family Mansion and the imperial court.

The imperial edict box (Fengtian Gaoming Box) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]