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City Guard, Peking, c. 1867-72 (b / w photo)
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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, Peking. An old Tartar bannerman, a humble member of the Manchu camp, who kept watch at the gate of the French hotel by night." The wooden clapper that he holds was used to announce his presence and frighten away any potential thieves.); Scottish, out of copyright
Media ID 23489808
© Bridgeman Images
1870s Bedraggled Beijing City Guard Gatekeeper Guarding Imperial China Impoverished Manchu On Guard Open Mouth Open Mouthed Peking Security Tartar Tattered Unkempt Bannerman Tatty
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the essence of a city guard in Peking, dating back to the late 19th century. The figure depicted is Old Wang, an elderly Tartar bannerman who served as a humble member of the Manchu camp. Standing outside the French hotel gate at night, he diligently guarded against potential thieves. In this portrait, Old Wang appears weathered and tattered, wearing a sheepskin coat that hints at his impoverished state. His open mouth suggests surprise or perhaps weariness from his long hours on duty. Clutched tightly in his hand is a wooden clapper, which he used to announce his presence and deter any wrongdoers. The image provides us with a glimpse into Imperial China's security measures during that time period. It showcases both the unkempt appearance of an Asian city guard and the dilapidated surroundings of Peking's streets. Photographer John Thomson has skillfully captured not only Old Wang's physical attributes but also his stoic determination to protect those within the French hotel walls. This photograph serves as a testament to both historical documentation and artistic expression through photography. Preserved in this print are moments frozen in time - reminding us of forgotten lives lived amidst bustling cities like Peking over 150 years ago.
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