Written by the Emperor’s own hand in the second month of spring during the thirty-fifth year of the Kangxi reign [1696]. Below the inscription is a square red imperial seal, which reads "Imperial Brush of Kangxi" (original: 康熙宸翰).

A Plough’s Depth of Apricot-Blossom Rain

The phrase "A plough's depth of apricot-blossom rain" (original: 一犁杏雨) is a poetic expression for the arrival of spring. It refers to a rainfall that is exactly sufficient to soak the earth to the depth of a plough-blade, occurring precisely when the apricot trees are in bloom—the traditional signal for the agricultural season to begin.

Kangxi (康熙) — The era name of the Qing dynasty's fourth emperor, meaning "Peaceful Prosperity."
Imperial Calligraphy (御書) — Literally "Royal Writing," referring to works produced by the Emperor’s own brush.
Apricot-Blossom Rain (杏雨) — A literary term for the gentle, steady rains of early spring.
Plough Depth (一犁) — A measure of rainfall indicating the soil is moist enough for cultivation.

Description of artifact background: This calligraphy is set against a luxurious silk textile featuring a dense pattern of five-clawed dragons, auspicious clouds, and lotus blossoms. Such motifs were reserved exclusively for the use of the imperial household, signifying that this document was a royal commission of the highest order.

By Imperial Command

The Complete Pictures of Tilling and Weaving

The Pictures of Tilling and Weaving (original: Gengzhi Tu) is a cornerstone of Chinese art and political philosophy. First created in the 12th century, these illustrations were revitalized by Qing emperors like Kangxi to honor the hard work of the peasantry and to demonstrate that the throne’s stability rested upon the foundations of agriculture and silk production.