In February 1796, the powerful ruler Emperor Qianlong decides to descent from the throne to not reign more years that his grandfather Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). "Stepping down from the throne but still governing behind it from now on I shall be Emperor Emeritus therefore following my original intention." The Emperor commissions the Imperial workshops to carve a group of seals confirming his new status and historical change. The 'De sui chu xin' (Able to Follow My Original Intention) seal is one of them which has reappeared after more than 220 years. He promotes his son the Emperor Jiaqing to the throne whilst becoming Emperor Emeritus, the Tai Shang Huang Di allowing him to be able to 'Follow [his] original intention'. This rare seal will be offered as part of Arts d’Asie on 16 June 2022.
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