Description
Black and white photograph showing engraved stone stele and carved stone guardian animals which signify the location of the tombs of kings. There are small mounds of earth in the foreground, two large trees in the middle ground and a line of trees at the horizon line.
Significance statement
On the north-western outskirts of Peking there were many tombs of kings dating from the Ming (1368-1643) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. About 1930 many of the above-ground architectural structures fell into disrepair and collapsed, were demolished or sold off. After 1950 most of the areas that were formerly occupied by tombs were transformed into residential areas, factories or agricultural fields.
Production notes
This is one of a large number of photographs documenting important historical sites on the outskirts of Peking taken by Hedda Morrison (1908-1991) during her years of residence in Peking (Beijing), China 1933-1946.
History notes
Exhibited in 'An Asian experience: 1933-67', organised by the Asian Studies Association of Australia, Fisher Library Foyer, University of Sydney, 12-30 May 1986.
Credit line
Gift of Mr Alastair Morrison, 1992
Registration number
92/1414-331
