January 1, 1809, Qing dynasty
Wang De-lu (1770–1842), a native of Chiayi County, Taiwan, rose to prominence as a military officer during the reigns of Emperors Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang. Initially recognized for recruiting volunteers and defending Chiayi City during the Lin Shuangwen Rebellion, he was appointed chiliarch by the Qing court. Subsequently, he joined the navy and distinguished himself by suppressing maritime threats in Southeast China, gradually advancing to the rank of provincial military commander—the highest military position in Taiwan during the Qing dynasty. In late 1808, while serving as Admiral of the Fujian Navy, Wang played a key role in capturing the notorious pirate Zhu Fen (1749–1808). His success coincided with the emperor’s 50th birthday celebration, prompting Wang to request an imperial honor for his family. Following the Qing dynasty’s formal conferment system and based on his rank as a first-class military official, Wang’s male family members were granted titles ranging from General Jianwei to Xiuwu Assistant Commander, while his female family members were awarded corresponding titles from first-class lady to ninth-class lady. This imperial order includes the imperial recognition of Wang’s great-grandparents, extending Wang’s family’s distinguished status across three generations.
The Imperial Orders for Wang De-lu’s Great-Grandparents is an item issued by the Qing court to posthumously honor Wang De-lu’s great-grandfather Wang Qi-sheng (?–1721), his great-grandmother Qiu, and his step-great-grandmother Xu. These titles elevated them to the ranks of General Zhenwei, first-class lady, and first-class lady, respectively. The item itself is a lavish scroll crafted from brocade, following the Qing dynasty’s design standards for officials ranked fifth class and above. It features intricate patterns woven in gold, crimson, brown, reddish-brown, and orange-yellow hues. The scroll’s edges are adorned with dragon motifs, while the brocade includes auspicious imagery such as cranes and swirling clouds, symbolizing grandeur and fortune. In accordance with the traditional Qing edict format, the imperial order opens with the phrase “Imperial Order from the Son of Heaven.” Written in both Chinese and Manchu, it uses five colors—blue, green, yellow, red, and black. Chinese text reads from right to left, while Manchu text reads from left to right. The scroll’s central section bears the date January 1, 1809, sealed with the “Imperial Edict Seal.”
As per Qing regulations, first-rank officials would receive four scrolls of imperial orders for their family lineage, covering their great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and themselves. Although the Imperial Orders for Wang De-lu’s Great-Grandparents scroll bestows titles only to Wang’s great-grandfathers, great-grandmothers, and himself, such rewards show the Qing court’s recognition of public officials’ meritorious political achievements, satisfying the officials’ desire to bring honor to their ancestors and descendants.