Treasures from the Forbidden City

Jade Inlay Portrait of a Luohan
The Building of Luminous Clouds contains a monumental wood screen with 16 panels depicting luohan — semi-legendary disciples of the Buddha who achieved enlightenment. The portraits, made of white jade inlaid into jet black lacquer, are based upon a famous set, much admired by the Emperor, that was the work of Guanxiu, a Tang dynasty painter, poet and monk who lived from 832 to 912 A.D.

• The Forbidden City's Last Secrets Travel to the U.S.