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Aisin Gioro Shengyu (1850-1900), an outstanding representative of the Manchu imperial clan combined the rich traditional Chinese culture with progressive thoughts. He belonged to an aristocratic cultural family in which the tradition of marriage between Manchu royalty and meritorious Mongolia noble lasted for generations. Ranked the libationer of imperial college,with the foresight showed by informed opinions on national affairs and people’s life,he was highly competent for selecting talents and promoting the development of culture and education. As a wise,diligent,and prolific scholar,he was well versed in textology, holding special attention on the Manchu and Mongolia’s history and culture.He had genius for literature,calligraphy,connoisseurship,and communication,playing an important role in the gentry group and the cultural and artistic field of Beijing at that time.Through the textual research on his family background and life, the analysis of his political ideals, the description of his cultural and educational activities,the introduction of his collections, appreciation,and companionship,Shengyu is objectively evaluated as a learned celebrity in the late Qing Dynasty.
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