本书的大部分文章是从作者的文集《故宫退食录》中选出的，少数是编辑搜集补充的，涉及碑帖书画、珐琅、牙角、雕漆、书籍等器物以及清宫礼俗、宫廷生活的研究。(Most of the articles in this book were selected from Reflections Written After Work in the Palace Museum by the same author, a renowned historian, cultural relics expert and research fellow of the Palace Museum; a few others, gleaned by the editors from other sources, are discussions on rubbings of stone inscription, calligraphy, Chinese paintings, enamel, ivory & horn carvings, lacquer wares, ancient books, as well as studies on royal etiquettes, customs and daily life in the Qing court. )