In 1787 and 1788, Chinese General Fukang’an, the favored military leader of Emperor Qianlong, led a force of 20,000 soldiers to quell an uprising on the island of Formosa (now known as Taiwan). The richly carved lacquer wall mural depicts the storming of a fortress by Fukang’an’s army in 1788. The inscription at the upper right includes Emperor Qianlong’s marks.

 

At least three colors of lacquer were built up in layers and then carved away to create the intricate landscape. The original hardwood frame is inset with ivory, agate, jade, and lapis lazuli.