Qing dynasty Emperor Qianlong, often depicted in costume dramas, is being critiqued for his obsessive practice of impressing numerous seals onto his vast art collection. While celebrated for a prosperous reign and his passion for arts and literature, this habit is now seen by some as potentially harming the artistic integrity of historical pieces.

As one of the most frequently portrayed Chinese emperors in modern costume dramas, Qing dynasty Emperor Qianlong is also renowned for his obsessive habit of impressing seals onto his art collections. The Qianlong Emperor (reigned 1735–1796, died 1799) was exceptionally long-lived even among rulers, and he is celebrated for ushering in a prosperous era alongside his father, Yongzheng, and grandfather, Kangxi. Additionally, he is famous for his enthusiasm for art and literature. Not only did he...