John Thomson, the Scottish photographer, left a remarkable collection of photographs depicting the high-ranking officials of the late Qing Dynasty in China.
According to Photo 100, John Thomson (1837-1921, left cover) was among the first Western photographers to travel to the East, capturing the people and landscapes of 19th-century Asia. In addition to photography, he was also a geologist and explorer. John Thomson first arrived in Asia in 1862, visiting India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. In 1869, he returned to China and opened a photography studio there. Three years later, he returned to England and published a photo book titled “China and the Chinese.” John Thomson established good relationships with the locals, documenting many works about politicians and noble families.
Photo of Aisin Gioro Yiheng (1833-1898) taken in his residence. Yiheng was the sixth prince of Emperor Daoguang and Empress Xiao Jing Cheng. According to Photo 100, Yiheng was a prominent minister of the late Qing Dynasty, known for his intelligence and agility, having been a key assistant to Empress Dowager Cixi. During the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, he opposed the emperor’s renovation of the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) and was nearly dismissed but was protected by Empress Dowager Cixi. Nevertheless, the empress remained cautious and suspicious of Yiheng due to his abilities and influence. By the late 1880s, Empress Dowager Cixi stripped Yiheng of all his positions, leading him to retreat from politics. Yiheng passed away at the age of 65.
Mao Shuangxi (1817-1882) – the Minister of Public Works in the Qing Dynasty. He was regarded as a key figure in the military field and was highly valued by the imperial court. John Thomson captured Mao Shuangxi’s portrait in the 10th year of the Tongzhi era (1871).
Portrait of Minister Rui Lin (1809-1874), who held positions such as Minister of Rites and Minister of the Interior, as well as Academician in the Cabinet. During the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, Rui Lin managed the Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.
Photo of Shen Guifen (1818-1880), taken in the 1860s. Shen Guifen held positions in the court during the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu.
Portrait of Gui Zongsheng, an official during the Tongzhi era, taken in the 1860s.
From left to right: Ministers Baojun, Dong Xuan, and Mao Shuangxi. Baojun served as the chief steward of the household while Dong Xuan held the first-rank position in the Ministry of Finance.
Portrait of Dong Xuan, who served during the reigns of Emperors Daoguang, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, and Guangxu. Dong Xuan was proficient in English and translated the poem “A Psalm of Life” by American author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was sent to negotiate with countries such as Britain, Russia, the United States, and Belgium.
Photo of an official in a sedan chair, taken in the 1860s.
The wife of a high-ranking official (right) and a maid.
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