The Qing dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, established in 1636 and ruling China for almost three centuries, from 1644 to 1912, ultimately creating the territorial base for the modern state of China. Under the Qing dynasty, traditional forms of art flourished and innovations occurred at numerous fields and many different categories. High levels of literacy, a successful publishing industry, a prosperous life and the Confucian emphasis on intellectual cultivation contributed towards a lively and creative set of cultural spheres.
By the end of the 19th century, the indigenous artistic and cultural world of China had begun to come to terms with the cosmopolitan culture of the West and neighbouring Japan. The decision to stay within the old forms or to welcome Western models became a conscious choice rather than an unchallenged acceptance of tradition.