Ming dynasty

A Seated Portrait of Ming Emperor Taizu

Chemin de ronde muraille long

17th century Central Tibeten thanka of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra, Rubin Museum of Art

明成祖時期疆域

Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Chengzu

Noel 2005 Pékin tombeaux Ming voie des âmes

Ming Dynasty was a major Chinese imperial dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. It was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese. Although the Ming capital, Beijing, fell in 1644 to a rebellion led by Li Zicheng who established the short-lived Shun dynasty, remnants of the Ming throne and power (now collectively called the Southern Ming) survived until 1662.

History

The Ming Dynasty was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, who later became Emperor Hongwu, after the overthrow of the Yuan dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang's rise from a poor, destitute peasant to the emperor of China is one of the most remarkable stories in Chinese history. Under his rule, China saw a return to traditional Chinese values and practices, the restoration of land to the peasants, and the promotion of a policy of isolationism.

The dynasty is known for its strong and complex central government, which allowed it to maintain control over its vast territories. It was also a period of cultural revival and expansion, with significant developments in literature, art, music, and philosophy. The Ming era saw the construction of the Great Wall of China as it is largely known today, the establishment of the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the voyages of Zheng He, which extended Ming influence across the Asian seas.

Economy

The Ming economy was marked by rapid commercial expansion, with an increase in trade internally and with foreign countries. The dynasty saw the emergence of a large, commercialized urban economy, with an increase in paper money circulation and the growth of guilds and markets. Agriculture also saw significant advancements, with the introduction of new crops from the Americas, such as maize and sweet potatoes, which helped alleviate famine and spur population growth.

Culture

The Ming Dynasty is renowned for its contributions to Chinese culture, particularly in the fields of porcelain production, literature, and painting. Ming porcelain, known for its delicate beauty and intricate designs, was highly prized both in China and abroad. Literature flourished during this period, with the novel becoming a popular form of entertainment among the literati and the common people alike. In painting, artists such as Shen Zhou and Wen Zhengming pushed the boundaries of Chinese landscape painting, creating works that are celebrated for their beauty and philosophical depth.

Decline

The decline of the Ming Dynasty was caused by a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, corruption within the imperial court, heavy taxation, and peasant rebellions weakened the state. Externally, the dynasty faced threats from the Manchu-led Qing dynasty to the north. In 1644, the Ming capital of Beijing was captured by the rebel leader Li Zicheng, and shortly thereafter, the Manchu forces entered the city, marking the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing rule over China.

Legacy

The Ming Dynasty left a profound legacy on Chinese history and culture. Its contributions to the arts and literature, its architectural achievements, and its advancements in governance and social organization have had a lasting impact on China and the world. The period is often looked back upon as one of the great ages of orderly government and social stability in Chinese history.