Cecilia Aisin-Gioro: Royal Chinese Feng Shui Artist Seeks to Connect East and West

Cecilia Aisin-Gioro, also known as Aixinjueluo Hengqin, represents the last royal lineage of China. As a member of the Heng generation in the Aisin-Gioro family and the great-niece of Puyi, the last emperor of China, her heritage profoundly shaped her life. During the Cultural Revolution, her family suffered severely due to these royal ties, leading to social ostracism. For Cecilia Aisin-Gioro, painting provides an outlet, a sentiment shared by many descendants of the Aisin-Gioro families.

This historical context perhaps explains why the Aisin-Gioro family boasts hundreds of artists and has established a distinct painting school in China. Notable relatives include her great-uncles Pu Ru and Pu Quan, the next generation’s Qi Gong and Qi Xiang, and her uncle Yu Zhan—all celebrated Chinese calligraphers and painters.

Cecilia’s deep connection to her family’s history instills a profound appreciation for the philosophical depth in her artwork. Her interest in Feng Shui was sparked during the pandemic by the strategic Feng Shui-inspired location of Wuhan Ark Hospital, situated by the water—considered a vital “lung” in traditional Chinese medicine. This discovery led her to explore the intricate concepts of the Five Elements and Colors, Feng Shui, and Architecture, integrating these ancient narratives into her art practice.

Symbolism is paramount in Chinese court painting, epitomizing imperial reverence.

Feng Shui, which harmonizes the principles of wind and water, is a foundation of Cecilia Aisin-Gioro’s internationally recognized work. This art form not only augments the aesthetics of a space but fosters a deep, holistic connection with nature. As the sole oil painter in her family, Cecilia’s approach modernizes traditional concepts. Her canvases serve as gateways to both understanding and applying Feng Shui’s ancient wisdom in contemporary life, merging geography, astronomy, religion, and folklore to create a profound viewer experience.

Cecilia’s art features a wealth of cross-cultural symbols: the Manchu-Mongolian horse and eagle signify strength and speed; the Han Chinese elephant symbolizes auspiciousness; the rooster denotes prosperity; and the three sheep herald good fortune. These elements, alongside scriptural references or Buddha’s hand gestures, craft narratives that resonate universally.

Beyond her creative endeavors, Cecilia Aisin-Gioro is dedicated to bridging Eastern traditions with Western artistic ideologies. Her art not only visualizes Feng Shui’s invisible energies but also makes them accessible, enhancing cultural appreciation through visual expression.

As a cultural ambassador, Cecilia uses her art to connect diverse cultures and continents. Her work is celebrated in private collections and commissions globally, from the United States to France, the United Kingdom to Italy, and as far as South Africa. Each exhibition or creation adds to a global narrative, underscoring art’s universal language and fostering unity through shared values of harmony and balance. Cecilia Aisin-Gioro’s contributions enrich the global art scene with unique cultural heritage stories, affirming art’s role as a universal connector.

Symbolism is paramount in Chinese court painting, epitomizing imperial reverence.

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