Interior of a Chinese Drawing Room, with a Mandarin Family

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Interior of a Chinese Drawing Room, with a Mandarin Family

Pierre Joseph Rossier. Views in China issued by Negretti and Zambra in 1859 and 1861. First Series and second series. These important images were the first commercial views of China to be sold in the west. Date: 1858-1861

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Media ID 32263948

© Classic Photographics / Mary Evans Picture Library

1858 1861 1859 1861 Commercial Important Issued Mandarin Negretti Orient Pierre Rossier Sold Zambra

EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph captures the intimate and ornate interior of a Chinese drawing room, as depicted in an 1858-1861 image by renowned Swiss photographer Pierre Joseph Rossier. The scene offers a rare glimpse into the private world of a Mandarin family during the tumultuous period of the Second Opium War (1856-1860). Rossier's photograph is a significant contribution to the early documentation of China, as it was one of the first series of images of China to be published and sold in the Western world. The images were issued by Negretti and Zambra, a leading London-based firm specializing in scientific instruments and photography. The interior of the drawing room is adorned with intricate Chinese decorative elements, such as elaborate wood carvings, ornate screens, and delicate porcelain. The Mandarin family members, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, are engaged in various activities, adding to the authenticity and richness of the scene. The photograph provides a window into the daily life of the Chinese elite during a time of great cultural and political change. It also reflects the growing fascination and curiosity of the Western world towards the Eastern world, as China began to open its doors to foreign trade and exploration. This image is a testament to Rossier's skill as a photographer and his ability to capture the essence of a culture that was, until then, largely unknown to the Western audience. It is a valuable historical document that continues to captivate and inspire viewers today.

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