A scene from Serenade of Peaceful Joy shows Princess Huirou, Emperor Renzong's daughter, arranging flowers. [Photo/douban.com]

Flower arrangement

Flowers delicately arranged in porcelain vases in the drama are also a huge delight for the eyes.

Traditional Chinese flower arrangement originated from the Northern and Southern dynasties (420-589) and bloomed in the Tang and Song dynasties (607-1279).

Aside from serving the purposes of palace rituals and worship in temple, floral arrangement was revered by Song literati as one of "the four arts of life" along with incense burning, tea drinking and painting appreciation, which they used to express emotions, cultivate character and amuse themselves.

A scene from Serenade of Peaceful Joy shows Empress Cao, Emperor Renzong's wife, arranging flowers. [Photo/douban.com]