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Liang Kai was a Chinese painter of the Southern Song Dynasty. He was also known as 'Madman Liang'. He was born in Shandong and worked in Lin An (later Hangzhou). He is known to have studied with the master Jia Shigu.<br/><br/> The painting is marked with the <i>zakkeshitsu-in</i> seal found on Chinese paintings imported to Japan by the Ashikaga (also called Muromachi) Shogunate.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
Amitabha is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Amitabha is the principal Buddha in the Pure Land sect, a branch of Buddhism practiced mainly in East Asia, while in Vajrayana Amitabha is known for his longevity attribute, magnetising red fire element, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception and the deep awareness of emptiness of phenomena.<br/><br/> According to these scriptures, Amitabha possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a bodhisattva named Dharmakara. 'Amitabha' is translated as 'Infinite Light', hence Amitabha is also called 'The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light'.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
Southern Song era artist Liu Songnian's Four Generals of Zhongxing' is a group portrait depicting eight people — four generals and four attendants. Sequenced from the left they are attendant, General Yue Fei, attendant, General Zhang Jun, General Han Shizhong, attendant, General Liu Guangshi, and attendant.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
'The Night Revels of Han Xizai' is a painted scroll depicting Han Xizai, a minister of the Southern Tang Emperor Li Yu (937-978). This narrative painting is split into five distinct sections: Han Xizai listens to the pipa, watches dancers, takes a rest, listens to music, and then sees guests off.<br/><br/> The original, painted by Gu Hongzhong (937-975), is lost, but a 12th century copy, housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing, survives (reproduced here).<br/><br/> The full scroll should be viewed from right to left.
Yue Fei (24 March 1103 – 27 January 1142), courtesy name Pengju, was a military general who lived in the Southern Song dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan). He is best known for leading Southern Song forces in the wars in the 12th century between Southern Song and the Jurchen-ruled Jin dynasty in northern China before being put to death by the Southern Song government in 1142.<br/><br/> He was granted the posthumous name Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211. Widely seen as a patriot and national folk hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Su Manshu (simplified Chinese: 苏曼殊; traditional Chinese: 蘇曼殊; pinyin: Sū Mànshū, 1884–1918) was a Chinese writer, poet, painter, revolutionist, and a translator. He was born as Xuanying in 1884 in Yokohama, Japan. He later adopted Su Manshu as a Buddhist name. His father was a Cantonese merchant, and his mother was his father's Japanese maid. He went back to Guangdong, China when he was five while his mother stayed in Japan. He became a Buddhist monk three times during his life; once at the age of 12, later in 1899, and again in 1903. He studied in Japan and traveled to many Buddhist sites including those in India, and Java. He was involved in revolutionary activity against the Qing Dynasty writing articles and papers. He mastered many languages — English, French, Japanese and Sanskrit. He died at the age of 34 in Shanghai.<br/><br/>
Qin Hui or Qin Kuai (1090–1155) was a Chancellor of the Song Dynasty in China, who is widely regarded as a traitor to China for his part in the political execution of General Yue Fei. Modern historians however, have placed as much blame (if not more) on the reigning Emperor Gaozong himself.<br/><br/> Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), was a general during the Southern Song Dynasty. His ancestral home was in Xiaoti, Yonghe Village, Tangyin, Xiangzhou, Henan (in present-day Tangyin County, Anyang, Henan).<br/><br/> Yue Fei is best known for leading the defense of Southern Song against invaders from the Jurchen-ruled Jin Dynasty in northern China, before being put to death by the Southern Song government. He was granted the posthumous name of Wumu by Emperor Xiaozong in 1169, and later granted the posthumous title of King of È (鄂王) by Emperor Ningzong in 1211.<br/><br/> He is widely seen as a patriot and national hero in China, since after his death, Yue Fei has evolved into a standard epitome of loyalty in Chinese culture.<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Liuhe Pagoda (Chinese: 六和塔; pinyin: Liùhé Tǎ), literally Six Harmonies Pagoda was originally constructed in 970 CE during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), destroyed in 1121, and reconstructed fully by 1165, during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279).<br/><br/> Hangzhou is one of China’s six ancient capitals. The city thrived during the Tang period (618–907), benefiting greatly from its position at the southern end of the Grand Canal.<br/><br/> At the beginning of the 12th century, Hangzhou was chosen as the new capital of the Southern Song Dynasty after the Chinese court was defeated in a battle against the Jin in 1123, and fled south.<br/><br/> The city flourished, with officials, writers and scholars moving there as the dynasty blossomed. During this period, Chinese culture reached a dramatic climax, and artworks from this era, particularly the richly detailed brush paintings, are considered to be among the finest works of art ever produced.
Cai Wenji was born shortly before 178 CE in what is now Qi County, Kaifeng, Henan. In 195, the chaos after Chancellor Dong Zhuo's death brought Xiongnu nomads into the Chinese capital and Cai Wenji was taken as prisoner to the northern lands. During her captivity, she became the wife of the Xiongnu chieftain Liu Bao and bore him two sons. It was not until twelve years later that Cao Cao, the new Chancellor of Han, ransomed her in the name of her father. When Cai Wenji returned to her homeland, she left her children behind at the frontier. The reason Cao Cao needed her back, was that she was the only one remaining of her clan and he needed her to placate the spirits of her ancestors. Cai Wenji's father Cai Yong was an established writer, but his works were lost in the ravages of war. At Cao Cao's request, Cai Wenji was able to recite from memory up to four hundred out of four thousand of her father's lost works. Later in her life, she wrote two poems describing her turbulent years. Her year of death is unknown. Contemporary (20th century) painting.
Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142) was a famous Chinese patriot and military general who fought for the Southern Song Dynasty against the Jurchen armies of the Jin Dynasty.Since his death, Yue Fei has evolved into the standard model of loyalty in Chinese culture.
Emperor Huaizong of Song (1271 – March 19, 1279 CE) was the last emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty of China. Born Zhao Bing to Emperor Duzong of Song, he was the younger brother of his predecessor, Emperor Duanzong of Song. According to the History of Song compiled under the Mongol Prime Minister Toktoghan, Emperor Huaizong is reported to have died at the Battle of Yamen on March 19, 1279. An official, Lu Xiufu who realized that all was lost, carried him and jumped into the sea in an act of defiance to the Mongol invaders near Mount Ya at the mouth of the West River in Guangdong.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Ningzong (1168–1224) was the 13th emperor of the Song dynasty who reigned from 1194 to 1224. His reign was noted for its cultural and intellectual achievements. In particular, Zhu Xi wrote some of his most famous works during this period. On the political side however, Emperor Ningzong saw his government being plagued by rising inflation that threatened the economy and the military advances by the Jurchen people from the north. In 1279, Kubilai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, an empire that would in less than sixty years after Ningzong's death eliminate the whole of Southern Song dynasty and bring all of China under Mongol domination.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Gaozong was a regional ruler in the Northern Song dynasty. After Song's Qinzong and Huizong emperors were captured by the Jurchen, he became the emperor of China and established the Southern Song empire at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) . During his reign, Jurchens often attacked the Southern Song empire. Initially, he used military officials such as Li Gang, Yue Fei, Han Shizhong and Yu Yunwen to hold the Jurchens at bay. However, after years of fighting and significant military success, Gaozong settled on a pacifist stance. One of the major reasons behind this was that Gaozong and the premier Qin Hui did not want the Song army to defeat the Jurchens, as this might result in Emperor Qinzong being restored to the throne. As a result, Gaozong and Qin plotted to frame Yue Fei for some ambiguous offence and had him put to death. General Han Shizhong was also dismissed from his military duties. Gaozong then signed the Treaty of Shaoxing with the Jurchens which further ceded huge amounts of territories to the Jurchens in the hope of appeasement.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Duzong (1240–1274) was the 15th emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the sixth emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Mengqi. He was the nephew of Emperor Lizong and reigned from 1264 to 1274. Duzong's reign was plagued with rebellions, warfare and upheaval. The Mongols had spent decades harassing the borders of the Southern Song and were on the verge of conquering the whole of China.<br/><br> Duzong totally ignored his duties and instead delegated all state and military affairs to the hands of his incompetent minister Jia Sidao; the emperor instead indulged in drinking and women and lived in opulence. At first, he told the officials to be straightforward and tell him the problems in the country, but this was all an act. Soon, he completely neglected his duties. Furthermore, he had a very high sexual appetite. Under the Song's law, any female who had a sexual relation with the emperor needs to come pay respect to the emperor in the morning. At one point, there were as many as 30 females one morning paying respect.<br/><br> The last decisive battle was fought in Xiangyang (in today's Hubei province) in 1274 when the Mongols succeeded in capturing and destroying the last Song stronghold. The defeat and the loss of Xiangyang sealed the fate of the Song Dynasty and the news of its capture was deliberately hidden from Duzong by Jia. Duzong died shortly thereafter and was succeeded by his four year old son. Although technically not the last emperor of the Song Dynasty, Duzong was considered the last emperor of the Song Dynasty that could have made a difference in changing the outcome or perhaps even averting the fall of the dynasty.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Xiaozong (November 27, 1127 – June 28, 1194) was the eleventh emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the second emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Shen. He reigned from 1162 to 1189.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Ningzong (1168–1224) was the 13th emperor of the Song dynasty who reigned from 1194 to 1224. His reign was noted for its cultural and intellectual achievements. In particular, Zhu Xi wrote some of his most famous works during this period. On the political side however, Emperor Ningzong saw his government being plagued by rising inflation that threatened the economy and the military advances by the Jurchen people from the north. In 1279, Kubilai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, an empire that would in less than sixty years after Ningzong's death eliminate the whole of Southern Song dynasty and bring all of China under Mongol domination.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Gaozong was a regional ruler in the Northern Song dynasty. After Song's Qinzong and Huizong emperors were captured by the Jurchen, he became the emperor of China and established the Southern Song empire at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) . During his reign, Jurchens often attacked the Southern Song empire. Initially, he used military officials such as Li Gang, Yue Fei, Han Shizhong and Yu Yunwen to hold the Jurchens at bay. However, after years of fighting and significant military success, Gaozong settled on a pacifist stance. One of the major reasons behind this was that Gaozong and the premier Qin Hui did not want the Song army to defeat the Jurchens, as this might result in Emperor Qinzong being restored to the throne. As a result, Gaozong and Qin plotted to frame Yue Fei for some ambiguous offence and had him put to death. General Han Shizhong was also dismissed from his military duties. Gaozong then signed the Treaty of Shaoxing with the Jurchens which further ceded huge amounts of territories to the Jurchens in the hope of appeasement.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Duzong (1240–1274) was the 15th emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the sixth emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Mengqi. He was the nephew of Emperor Lizong and reigned from 1264 to 1274. Duzong's reign was plagued with rebellions, warfare and upheaval. The Mongols had spent decades harassing the borders of the Southern Song and were on the verge of conquering the whole of China.<br/><br> Duzong totally ignored his duties and instead delegated all state and military affairs to the hands of his incompetent minister Jia Sidao; the emperor instead indulged in drinking and women and lived in opulence. At first, he told the officials to be straightforward and tell him the problems in the country, but this was all an act. Soon, he completely neglected his duties. Furthermore, he had a very high sexual appetite. Under the Song's law, any female who had a sexual relation with the emperor needs to come pay respect to the emperor in the morning. At one point, there were as many as 30 females one morning paying respect.<br/><br> The last decisive battle was fought in Xiangyang (in today's Hubei province) in 1274 when the Mongols succeeded in capturing and destroying the last Song stronghold. The defeat and the loss of Xiangyang sealed the fate of the Song Dynasty and the news of its capture was deliberately hidden from Duzong by Jia. Duzong died shortly thereafter and was succeeded by his four year old son. Although technically not the last emperor of the Song Dynasty, Duzong was considered the last emperor of the Song Dynasty that could have made a difference in changing the outcome or perhaps even averting the fall of the dynasty.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Guangzong (1147–1200; reigned 1189–1194) was the 12th Emperor of Song China. He was born with the name Zhao Dun. He gave the city of Chongqing its present name, meaning 'Double Celebration'. According to Xu Wei, the Nanxi style of theatre began in his reign. He listened to some treacherous officials and dismissed popular military leader Xin Qiji. He was forced to give up his throne in 1194 by his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, as he refused to attend the funeral procession of his father, Xiaozong. He died in 1200 near Shaoxing, Zhejiang.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Lizong (1205–1264) was the 14th emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the fifth emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Yun. He reigned from 1224 to 1264. Lizong's long reign of forty years did little to improve the predicament Song China was in at the time. Lizong was uninterested in governmental affairs and for the first decade of his rule he delegated matters into the hands of his ministers notably Shi Miyuan who acted as a de facto ruler in the absence of the Lizong Emperor. After Shi's death in 1233, Lizong assumed full authority briefly but again quickly abandoned the responsibility of ruling and delegated matters to his prime minister Ding Da Quan in order to pursue personal enjoyment. It was said that Lizong frequented brothels as well as invited prostitutes into the palace which was vehemently opposed by his loyal ministers. Notable events during Lizong's reign included the demise of the Jin dynasty in 1234 that was obliterated by the joint forces of the Mongols and the South Song Dynasty. However in 1259, the Mongols turned against the Southern Song. The Song was forced to capitulate and ceded all the territories north of the Yangtze River to the Mongols. In 1279, the Mongols would eventually conquer all of China.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Gaozong was a regional ruler in the Northern Song dynasty. After Song's Qinzong and Huizong emperors were captured by the Jurchen, he became the emperor of China and established the Southern Song empire at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) . During his reign, Jurchens often attacked the Southern Song empire. Initially, he used military officials such as Li Gang, Yue Fei, Han Shizhong and Yu Yunwen to hold the Jurchens at bay. However, after years of fighting and significant military success, Gaozong settled on a pacifist stance. One of the major reasons behind this was that Gaozong and the premier Qin Hui did not want the Song army to defeat the Jurchens, as this might result in Emperor Qinzong being restored to the throne. As a result, Gaozong and Qin plotted to frame Yue Fei for some ambiguous offence and had him put to death. General Han Shizhong was also dismissed from his military duties. Gaozong then signed the Treaty of Shaoxing with the Jurchens which further ceded huge amounts of territories to the Jurchens in the hope of appeasement.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Gongzong (1271- possibly 1323), born Zhao Xian, was the 7th Emperor of the Chinese Southern Song Dynasty. He reigned from 1274 until his abdication in 1276 CE when he was succeeded by his elder brother, Emperor Duanzong of Song.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Guangzong (1147–1200; reigned 1189–1194) was the 12th Emperor of Song China. He was born with the name Zhao Dun. He gave the city of Chongqing its present name, meaning 'Double Celebration'. According to Xu Wei, the Nanxi style of theatre began in his reign. He listened to some treacherous officials and dismissed popular military leader Xin Qiji. He was forced to give up his throne in 1194 by his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, as he refused to attend the funeral procession of his father, Xiaozong. He died in 1200 near Shaoxing, Zhejiang.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Lizong (1205–1264) was the 14th emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the fifth emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Yun. He reigned from 1224 to 1264. Lizong's long reign of forty years did little to improve the predicament Song China was in at the time. Lizong was uninterested in governmental affairs and for the first decade of his rule he delegated matters into the hands of his ministers notably Shi Miyuan who acted as a de facto ruler in the absence of the Lizong Emperor. After Shi's death in 1233, Lizong assumed full authority briefly but again quickly abandoned the responsibility of ruling and delegated matters to his prime minister Ding Da Quan in order to pursue personal enjoyment. It was said that Lizong frequented brothels as well as invited prostitutes into the palace which was vehemently opposed by his loyal ministers. Notable events during Lizong's reign included the demise of the Jin dynasty in 1234 that was obliterated by the joint forces of the Mongols and the South Song Dynasty. However in 1259, the Mongols turned against the Southern Song. The Song was forced to capitulate and ceded all the territories north of the Yangtze River to the Mongols. In 1279, the Mongols would eventually conquer all of China.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Gaozong was a regional ruler in the Northern Song dynasty. After Song's Qinzong and Huizong emperors were captured by the Jurchen, he became the emperor of China and established the Southern Song empire at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) . During his reign, Jurchens often attacked the Southern Song empire. Initially, he used military officials such as Li Gang, Yue Fei, Han Shizhong and Yu Yunwen to hold the Jurchens at bay. However, after years of fighting and significant military success, Gaozong settled on a pacifist stance. One of the major reasons behind this was that Gaozong and the premier Qin Hui did not want the Song army to defeat the Jurchens, as this might result in Emperor Qinzong being restored to the throne. As a result, Gaozong and Qin plotted to frame Yue Fei for some ambiguous offence and had him put to death. General Han Shizhong was also dismissed from his military duties. Gaozong then signed the Treaty of Shaoxing with the Jurchens which further ceded huge amounts of territories to the Jurchens in the hope of appeasement.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Duanzong (1268 – May 8, 1278) was the eighth and penultimate emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty of China who reigned from 1276 to 1278 and died at the early age of ten.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Ningzong (1168–1224) was the 13th emperor of the Song dynasty who reigned from 1194 to 1224. His reign was noted for its cultural and intellectual achievements. In particular, Zhu Xi wrote some of his most famous works during this period. On the political side however, Emperor Ningzong saw his government being plagued by rising inflation that threatened the economy and the military advances by the Jurchen people from the north. In 1279, Kubilai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, an empire that would in less than sixty years after Ningzong's death eliminate the whole of Southern Song dynasty and bring all of China under Mongol domination. The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.
Emperor Lizong (1205–1264) was the 14th emperor of the Song Dynasty of China, and the fifth emperor of the Southern Song. His personal name was Zhao Yun. He reigned from 1224 to 1264. Lizong's long reign of forty years did little to improve the predicament Song China was in at the time. Lizong was uninterested in governmental affairs and for the first decade of his rule he delegated matters into the hands of his ministers notably Shi Miyuan who acted as a de facto ruler in the absence of the Lizong Emperor. After Shi's death in 1233, Lizong assumed full authority briefly but again quickly abandoned the responsibility of ruling and delegated matters to his prime minister Ding Da Quan in order to pursue personal enjoyment. It was said that Lizong frequented brothels as well as invited prostitutes into the palace which was vehemently opposed by his loyal ministers. Notable events during Lizong's reign included the demise of the Jin dynasty in 1234 that was obliterated by the joint forces of the Mongols and the South Song Dynasty. However in 1259, the Mongols turned against the Southern Song. The Song was forced to capitulate and ceded all the territories north of the Yangtze River to the Mongols. In 1279, the Mongols would eventually conquer all of China.<br/><br> The Song Dynasty (960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907–960) and preceded the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which conquered the Song in 1279. Its conventional division into the Northern Song (960–1127) and Southern Song (1127–1279) periods marks the conquest of northern China by the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) in 1127. It also distinguishes the subsequent shift of the Song's capital city from Bianjing (modern Kaifeng) in the north to Lin'an (modern Hangzhou) in the south.