The Enigmatic Lasting Life Palace Hall Hung Sheng 1654-1704

The Lasting Life Palace Hall Hung Sheng, built between 1654 and 1704, is one of the most enigmatic landmarks of its time. This magnificent structure, situated in the heart of a vibrant city, has attracted tourists and historians alike for centuries. Its rich history and architectural brilliance have captured the imagination of many, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of the 17th-century era.

Unveiling the Rich History

The Lasting Life Palace Hall, also known as the "Hall of Eternal Prosperity," was commissioned by Emperor Kangxi to honor his trusted advisor, Hung Sheng. Before the hall's construction, Hung Sheng played a pivotal role in advising the emperor on various matters, including state affairs and diplomacy. His wisdom and guidance contributed significantly to the prosperity and stability of the empire.

The palace hall became an embodiment of the emperor's gratitude and admiration for Hung Sheng's loyal services. Its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the importance and reverence the emperor held for his advisor.

Lasting-life Palace-hall (Hung Sheng 1654-1704): Part Two - Appendices and Endnotes (Chinese Culture Series Book 29)

by William Dolby(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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Architectural Marvels

The Lasting Life Palace Hall stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the 17th century. Its unique blend of Chinese and Western design elements is a striking sight to behold. The hall features elaborate carvings, exquisite paintings, and detailed ornamentation throughout its structure.

The main entrance is adorned with magnificent wreaths made from precious jade and other gemstones, symbolizing protection and prosperity. The hall's ceilings are decorated with intricate patterns, showcasing the mastery of ancient craftsmen. The walls display stunning murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, history, and nature.

Preservation Efforts

Over the years, the Lasting Life Palace Hall has faced various challenges, including natural disasters and urban development. However, dedicated efforts by historians and preservation organizations have ensured its survival till today.

The hall underwent extensive renovation in the early 20th century to restore its original splendor. Skilled artisans from around the world were employed to meticulously recreate the intricate carvings and paintings that had faded over time.

A Must-Visit Destination

Visiting the Lasting Life Palace Hall is like stepping back in time to experience the grandeur of a bygone era. As you walk through its majestic corridors and admire the fine details, you can't help but appreciate the dedication and skill it took to create such a masterpiece.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of the 17th century. Every corner of the palace hall holds stories waiting to be unraveled, ensuring a fulfilling and enlightening experience.

The Lasting Life Palace Hall Hung Sheng 1654-1704 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the 17th-century architecture. Its rich history, intricate design, and superb craftsmanship make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture aficionados.

Take a journey back in time, and unlock the mysteries of this hidden gem. Discover the stories behind each exquisite detail, and let the Lasting Life Palace Hall transport you to a world of opulence and grandeur.

Lasting-life Palace-hall (Hung Sheng 1654-1704): Part Two - Appendices and Endnotes (Chinese Culture Series Book 29)

by William Dolby(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3831 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	604 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

These are the appendices and end-notes to William Dolby's English translation of the famous play (ch'ang-sheng tien) written by Hung Sheng (1654-1704)

The full translation of this wonderfully adept and lively Play is contained in Volume No.1 whilst a second work, Volume No.2 (this volume) contains the extensive footnotes and appendices of the author.

About The Play

The monumental Chinese stage drama Lasting-life Palace-hall (ch'ang-sheng tien) by Hung Sheng (Hong Sheng) (1654-1704) is one of the most famous and seminal Chinese works. Its topic is the romance between a T'ang dynasty, 8th century AD, emperor and his empress, she being vividly regarded as China's outstanding femme fatale, his love with her having led to the breakdown of the dynasty.

Their tale is one of the three or four most celebrated love romance of Chinese tradition. The play would take days to perform in its entirety, but has spawned various short excerpt-dramas. It is a complex mix of complexities, lyric, powerfully descriptive, occasionally humorous and even bawdy. A major artifact of Chinese, and, indeed world, literature and entertainment.

Lasting-life Palace-hall, like many earlier plays and other writings, concerned the love affair of Emperor Shining August-emperor of the T’ang and Yang Jade-bangle (Yang Yu-huan),who became his Most-prized-empress (Yang Kui-fei). It was much longer and more elaborate than any earlier drama on the same theme, and had fifty acts. Unlike Pai P’u’s (AD 1226 – AD?) Rain on the parasol-tree (Wu-t’ung yü),it doesn’t limit itself to Empress Yang’s death and the emperor’s sorrowful memories of her. From Act Twenty-six onwards, she frequently reappears as a spirit. She sees her scheming relatives carried off to Hell. The grieving emperor has a life-size image of her carved in precious wood. Meanwhile in the capital, after an unsuccessful assassination attempt by a loyalist musician, the adopted son of the rebel An Lu-shan murders Lu-shan. T’ang armies restore the empire, and the emperor returns to the capital. On his way, he reaches the spot where Empress Yang lies buried, and orders her exhumation for reburial. The grave is empty but for her perfume sachet. A woman brings one of Empress Yang’s silk stockings to him, and these two mementos renew his sorrow. Back in the capital, he engages a Taoist necromancer to try and contact Empress Yang’s spirit. With the collusion of sympathetic gods, and the help of the Taoist, the two lovers meet once more, the Taoist conjuring up a bridge, and the emperor journeying to the moon to re-join Empress Yang. Already deities in a previous existence, they are now restored to Heaven and reunited in their love for vast time.

The play’s superbly free in its imagination, and much of it is one ornate lyric poem to love. Hung Sheng took immense care in polishing it and in expunging some of the spicier love scenes to shift the emphasis to a dancing scene. Later, feeling that this weakened the love element, he revised it once more. Only after a third major revision did he settle its form and title. A music master added his expertise to Hung’s enormous knowledge of music for the songs.

Although the play has a happy ending in the Chinese tradition, the element of personal and political tragedy looms large in the workings of the plot.

Other known translations of the original title are 'Abiding-life Palace-hall, Palace of Eternal Youth and Palace of Eternal Life with Hung Sheng being otherwise known as Hong Sheng.