Yongle Emperor
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The Yongle Emperor, personal name Zhu Di, was the third emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, reigning from 1402 to 1424. He was the fourth son of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the dynasty.
Palace portrait on a hanging scroll
The Hongwu Emperor, the father of Zhu Di, in his old age, c. 1397
Portrait of Lady Xu, Zhu Di's wife, as empress
The Hall of Revering Heaven in the Forbidden City, Beijing. The Forbidden City, a 72-hectare complex of palaces and buildings, served as the imperial residence of the Ming emperors from 1420 onward. The current buildings of the palace complex are the result of restorations during the Qing dynasty, which did not significantly alter the appearance of the Ming constructions.
Hongxi Emperor
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The Hongxi Emperor, personal name Zhu Gaochi, was the fourth emperor of the Ming dynasty of China, reigning from 1424 to 1425. He was the eldest son of the Yongle Emperor and ascended the throne after
Yongle Emperor
…nature, strengthening ties between their families, but they gradually developed a deep affection for one another over the next 31 years. Their first son, Zhu Gaochi, was born in August 1378. The couple had two more sons, Zhu Gaoxu in 1380 and Zhu Gaosui in 1383. A few weeks after his wedding, Zhu Di traveled to…
Palace portrait on a hanging scroll
Portrait of the Hongxi Emperor in daily dress