Kangxi Era
/ˈkɑːŋ.ʃiː ˈɪə.rə/noun
The reign period of the Qing dynasty’s Kangxi Emperor, conventionally dated from 1661 to 1722.
Did you know?Chinese emperors used era names as political symbolism: Kangxi, meaning “health and prosperity,” projected cosmic stability and benevolent rule throughout the emperor’s reign.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
Manchu
Aisin Gioro Xuanye
“The Manchu imperial name of the ruler later known as the Kangxi Emperor.”
1661
Chinese
康熙 (Kāngxī)
“The reign title adopted when Xuanye became Qing emperor; its characters convey health, well-being, or flourishing prosperity.”
1661–1722
Late Imperial Chinese
康熙年间 (Kāngxī niánjiān)
“The years of the Kangxi reign, literally the period or interval of the Kangxi era.”
1716
Chinese
康熙字典 (Kāngxī Zìdiǎn)
“The Kangxi Dictionary, a major character dictionary commissioned under the emperor and published after years of compilation.”
19th Century
English
Kangxi
“An English transcription of the emperor’s reign name, based on historical romanization practices.”
Modern English
English
Kangxi Era
“The standard English historical designation for the Qing imperial period from 1661 to 1722.”
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