The Qing dynasty (1644–1911) was founded by a northeast Asian people, the Manchus. The Manchu emperors selectively adopted aspects of Chinese statecraft and culture, modeling many of their government practices on those of the previous Ming dynasty. The Manchus also became patrons of the arts, using Chinese art traditions to legitimize their rule. The Qing emperors established workshops for the manufacture of lacquerware, enamel, jade, ivories, and textiles. A great variety of porcelain vessels was produced at the Jingdezhen manufactory, including objects for the court, for domestic use, and for export. These are some of the most splendid porcelains ever made. Contact between the court and European Jesuits living in China influenced Qing art. Some porcelains of the period display features that reflect Chinese-Western interactions.

Qing painting largely followed established traditions. The late Ming artist and collector Dong Qichang (1555–1636) developed a theory of literati painting based on study of the old masters. Under the leadership of Dong’s disciple, Wang Shimin (1592–1680), this traditionalist theory became the foundation of what would later be called the Orthodox School. Other painters who broke with or radically modified tradition are known as Individualists. They viewed painting as a form of personal expression, sometimes injecting political or social commentary.

Internal rebellions overthrew the Qing dynasty in 1911. China’s last emperor abdicated early in 1912, ushering in the Republic of China. Web resources here and here.