Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. Anonymous Gift
1995.10.001

Jade Tablets

June 9 1881 (Date created)
Jade, Wood
Carving
Plaques
0 in L x 19.25 in W x 15.5 in H x 0 in D (Object)
Notes: Wood Holder Size
Wooden Base Size: 8" x 19" x 6.5"
Chinese
Three framed commemorative jade tablets.
Dedicated by the Kuang-hsu emperor on June 9, 1881, these Jade Tablets are altar pieces that commemorate the death of Empress Dowager Hsiao-chen, senior co-regent of the Hsien-feng, T'ung-chih and Kuang-hsu regimes. These memorializing tables fulfilled the boy-emperor, Te-tsung's, Confucian obligation of filial piety. Unlike the second grade consort Hsiao-chen or Tz'u-hsi, who delivered the legendary Old Buddha, the senior consort, Hsiao-chen, nee Niuhuru (1837-1881), also known as Tz'u-an Huang T'ai-hou, produced no male heir. On the Emperor's death bed in 1861, Hsiao-chen was entrusted with the Seals of the regency of Hsiao-chin's son, Mu Tsung. The mother, due to natural right, and the senior consort, by seniorty and possession of the seals, became co-regents, Hsiao-chen holding the upper hand throughout the T'ung-chih reign. The emperor Tsai-ch'un's sudden death stimulated a succession crisis which was not resolved in accordance with dynastic tradition. A nephew of Old Buddha was enthroned, some ministers were displaced while others were killed, and the Kuang-hsu reign was ill-starred from the start. Although Hsiao-chen remained senior Empress Dowager, she rereated from her prominent active position (except during Hsiao- chi'in's period of illness, when she served as sole regent). On April 7, 1881, Hsiao-chen unexpectedly died, perhaps poisoned by the Old Buddha. The new young emperor Te-tsung commemorated the deceased rather summarily on these tablets. ---From an exhibition label.
In Collection
Anonymous Gift (see Notes)
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