Imperial decrees or edicts. These were issued during the reigns of almost every emperor from the time of the Song dynasty, to every corner of the empire. When received, local and provincial officials were expected to drop everything and carry out whatever direction was contained therein.

The emperors during whose reign each edict below was issued, is listed under the image. Only two do not have names attached. These were all issued by the Qing dynasty; notice that there are two different scripts- Chinese is on the right, Manchu on the left.

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 01

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 02

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 03

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 04

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 05

Imperial edict from an unknown emperor.

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 06

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 07

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 08

Chinese art, Calligraphy, Calligraphers

Image 09

Imperial Edicts

Guangxu

Kangxi

Qianlong

Xuantong

ND

Jiajing

Shunzhi

Tongzhi

Yongzheng