gold crown pearls and jade crown
The turning point of the Ming Dynasty from prosperity to decline was the reign of Emperor Shenzong. In the early period, under the wise assistance of a skillful chancellor, Zhang Juzheng, Emperor Shenzong made much improvement in the national economy, agriculture, water conservancy and military affairs. However, after the death of Zhang Juzheng, the emperor began to neglect state affairs. In his late reign, the Ming army was defeated by the leader of the so-called ´Latter Jin´ regime - Nurhachu in the Battle of Sarhu. Since then, the Ming court fell into a passive state in confrontation with the ´Latter Jin´ set up by Nuzhen ethnic minority.
artifacts of Ming Dynasty
The end of the Ming Dynasty started from the last emperor, Emperor Weizong´s reign - the reign went by the name Chongzhen. The crisis of the Ming Dynasty was caused by the corruption of the court officials and the domination of the eunuchs. In that period, both the exploitation from the ruling class and natural disasters in successive years caused the people to live in extreme hardship. In 1628, dozens of rebel military forces launched battles in the northern area of Shaanxi Province. Among them, one of the leaders of the rebel army was named Li Zicheng, and he was deeply trusted and supported by most peasants. In 1644, Li Zicheng captured Xian and founded a new regime called Dashun. In the same year, Emperor Weizong hanged himself in Jingshan Hill of Beijing, signifying the end of the Ming Dynasty.
