Techniques And Imperial Power:a Study On The History Of The Imperial Workshops

Craftsmanship is one of the most important techniques in ancient society. With the angles of Social History of Techniques, this article uses the methods of literature survey, comparative analysis and bibliometric to investigate the historical development and significance of the Imperial Workshops, and holds the points below.Firstly, the imperial workshops are an imperial palace manufacturing organization in Qing Dynasty that is formation in developing and perfecting history. Kangxi Emperor is the key person which prompts the workshop in Yangxin Hall to be large-scale workshops. There are two systems about imperial manufacturing organizations that are Gongbu system and Neiwufu system in early Qing Dynasty. The establishment of the Imperial Workshops means the victory of Neiwufu system.Secondly, according to the workload, the history of the Imperial Workshops can be divided into five periods:establishing, development, peak, maintenance and recession. There are various names about the imperil Workshops in this long periods, which are Yangxin Hall, Zao Banchu (Tsao Pan-ch’u), Yangxin Hall Zao Banchu.Neiwufu Zao Banchu. Therefore the Imperial Workshops hold four stages, which are Yangxin Hall, Wuying Hall, Zao Banchu, Yangxin Hall Zao Banchu and Neiwufu Zao Banchu.Thirdly, the production network of the Imperial Workshops is all over the country. The workshop distributes in Forbid city and the Old Summer Palace in Beijing city. The main ways of the communication with royal court techniques and local techniques are craftsman, material and implements. One of the most represent local techniques is Xueduibai, the gold and copper workshop in Lhasa.The fourth, the emperor, officer and craftsman take different parts in the Imperial Workshops. Yongzheng and Qianlong Emperor fervidly participate in marking works as a designer and administrator. The officer, especially techniques bureaucracy (such as Prince Yi Yunxiang, Haiwang, Tangying), make their effort to management. The craftsman is the main techniques subject in Qing court.Lastly, the Imperial Workshops have two functions, making for royal life and for political affairs. It is the most concentrated craftsmanship communication platform in Chinese history. Royal Court Techniques is the historical heritage that the Imperial Workshops gives.