Forbidden City

Monthly Archive: December Forb

Nail Art: Then and Now

Posted: July 9, 2014 - 11:29 , by Amanda Girgis
Empress Dowager Cixi, Image by Jung Chang

Women have grown, groomed and decorated their fingernails for over 5000 years – From the women of Ancient Egypt to the nail salon industry that flourished during the 80s and 90s, nail trends have had authority over beauty regimes across regions and eras. By the late 20th century manicured fingernails would become a sign of the leisure class among many different cultures.  Grooming your fingernails parallels the act of using cosmetics, it exhibits self-expression and character.

Rare Chinese Chicken Cup Auctioned for $36 million

Posted: April 10, 2014 - 16:58 , by royal
Image of rooster depicted on the porcelain cup.

An original and very rare Chicken Cup, that was created as part of a set, was recently sold at an auction hosted by Sotheby's. The ROM is currently displaying another cup from this set in The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors.