Imperial China Collection

A female offender brought before a Mandarin
5616190 A female offender brought before a Mandarin; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a female offender brought before a Mandarin for Judgement. Dated 19th Century)

A Mandarin bureaucrat on trial
5616185 A Mandarin bureaucrat on trial; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a Mandarin bureaucrat facing trial. Dated 19th Century. 01/01/1800); Universal History Archive/UIG

Tientsin Club. Tientsin China. postcard 1902
5306857 Tientsin Club. Tientsin China. postcard 1902; Universal History Archive/UIG

German Club. Tientsin China. postcard 1900
5306859 German Club. Tientsin China. postcard 1900; Universal History Archive/UIG

Sedan chair of the Prime Minister, Grand Colao, Qing Dynasty China, late 18th century
FLO4590298 Sedan chair of the Prime Minister, Grand Colao, Qing Dynasty China, late 18th century. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi after Antoine Cardon

City Guard, Peking, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
468597 City Guard, Peking, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomson described this night watchman, called Old Wang, as " One of the city guard)

Prince Kung, c. 1872 (b / w photo)
473739 Prince Kung, c.1872 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prince Kung, also known as Prince Gong (1833-1898) was a prince and statesman of the Qing dynasty

Mountain Hut, Province of Huzeh, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473729 Mountain Hut, Province of Huzeh, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; Scottish, out of copyright

Chinese Coal Miners, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473728 Chinese Coal Miners, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: Coal mining near Patung in Hubei province, central China.); Scottish, out of copyright

Chinese Magistrates Court, c. 1880-90 (b / w photo)
498549 Chinese Magistrates Court, c.1880-90 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; out of copyright

Camel Caravan on the Outskirts of Peking, c. 1875 (b / w photo)
498377 Camel Caravan on the Outskirts of Peking, c.1875 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

The Abbot and monks of Kushan Monastery, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473734 The Abbot and monks of Kushan Monastery, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info)

Chinese Punishment, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473731 Chinese Punishment, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: The cangue or collar of wood is one of the lighter punishments of China inflicted for)

Itinerant Barbers at a Country House, China, c. 1875 (b / w photo)
498635 Itinerant Barbers at a Country House, China, c.1875 (b/w photo) by Saunders, William (1832-1892); Private Collection; British, out of copyright

Chinese Wheelbarrow, c. 1870-90 (b / w photo)
498556 Chinese Wheelbarrow, c.1870-90 (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; out of copyright

Posed Portrait of a Street Food Seller, c. 1875 (b / w photo)
498636 Posed Portrait of a Street Food Seller, c.1875 (b/w photo) by Saunders, William (1832-1892); Private Collection; (add.info.: China.); British, out of copyright

Jui-lin, Governor-General of the two Kwang Provinces, c. 1870-2 (b / w photo)
696673 Jui-lin, Governor-General of the two Kwang Provinces, c.1870-2 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; Scottish, out of copyright

North and East Corner of the Wall of Peking, 1860 (b / w photo)
701860 North and East Corner of the Wall of Peking, 1860 (b/w photo) by Beato, Felice (Felix) (1825-c.1908); Private Collection; British, out of copyright

Pekingese Mule Litter, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473736 Pekingese Mule Litter, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Thomson described journeying to the Great Wall of China in a mule litter; ")

Peking Observatory, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473733 Peking Observatory, c. 1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: Now known as the Beijing Ancient Observatory)

After dinner gathering on verandah of a Chinamans house, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473730 After dinner gathering on verandah of a Chinamans house, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; Scottish, out of copyright

Shanghai Barrow Taxi, c. 1870s (b / w photo)
498640 Shanghai Barrow Taxi, c.1870s (b/w photo) by Saunders, William (1832-1892); Private Collection; British, out of copyright

Street Corn Cutter, c. 1875 (b / w photo)
498637 Street Corn Cutter, c.1875 (b/w photo) by Saunders, William (1832-1892); Private Collection; (add.info.: China.); British, out of copyright

The Toilet, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
473716 The Toilet, c.1867-72 (b/w photo) by Thomson, John (1837-1921); Private Collection; (add.info.: The elaborate make up and hair dressing of Imperial China.); Scottish, out of copyright

Empress Jing Xian (c. 1681-1731), 1st consort of Emperor Yongzheng (1678 - 1735)
1147474 Empress Jing Xian (c.1681-1731), 1st consort of Emperor Yongzheng (1678 - 1735) by Chinese School; Palace Museum, Beijing

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"Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Imperial China: A Glimpse into a Bygone Era" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world through these remarkable black and white photographs. Each image offers a unique window into the diverse facets of this ancient civilization, showcasing its traditions, customs, and daily life. In one frame, we witness the grandeur of an imperial procession as a Sedan Chair glides gracefully through bustling streets. The elegance and prestige surrounding such modes of transportation are palpable, reflecting the opulence that permeated every aspect of Chinese society during this era. Contrasting this scene is another snapshot capturing Coolie laborers toiling away with their creels in Szechuan province. Their resilience and strength symbolize the backbone upon which China's economic prosperity was built – a testament to both their endurance and the nation's industrious spirit. The City Guard stands tall in Peking (now Beijing), embodying authority and safeguarding order amidst an ever-evolving metropolis. These guardians were entrusted with maintaining peace within city walls while preserving centuries-old traditions that defined Chinese culture. Prince Kung's portrait exudes regal poise, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life at court. As one of Emperor Xianfeng's most trusted advisors, his influence extended far beyond mere appearances – shaping policies that would shape China's destiny for years to come. Venturing beyond urban centers reveals hidden gems like Mountain Hut in Huzeh Province – an oasis nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes where tranquility reigns supreme. Here, serenity intertwines with spirituality as monks from Kushan Monastery commune with nature while seeking enlightenment on their spiritual journey. Yet not all aspects captured by these photographs are idyllic; they also shed light on harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. Chinese coal miners endure grueling conditions underground as they extract resources vital for fueling industrial progress – a reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of China's modernization.