Xuande Emperor

• Reign: 1426-1435
• Other Names: Xuanzong
• Chinese/Japanese: 宣德帝 (Xuāndé dì / Sentoku tei)

The Xuande Emperor, also known as Ming Xuanzong, was the fifth emperor of China's Ming Dynasty.

His reign saw the last of Zheng He's famous "treasure ship" voyages, and the abandonment of Ming efforts to conquer Annam (Vietnam), as the Court turned its attention to more domestic matters, and to defending the borders against the Mongols. The Xuande Emperor launched one significant campaign against the Mongols, but the conflict with the Mongols became more significant under his successor, the Zhengtong Emperor (Ming Yingzong).

After Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Xuande Emperor is one of the only emperors particularly known for his paintings and poetry. Further, blue-and-white porcelain reached a peak of popularity and production during his reign.

Preceded by Hongxi Emperor

Emperor of Ming 1426-1435

Succeeded by Zhengtong Emperor

References

• Conrad Schirokauer, et al, A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations, Fourth Edition, Cengage Learning (2012), 247.