A mise en scène symbolizing the state of China prior to the 1911 Revolution
Collection
Identifier
Ar02-070
Notes
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: Ar02-070. No caption in the album for this Early Republic photograph. Whilst discretely pouring a beer for the seated soldier, the central figure, representing a Manchu official, is threatened with a sword by a man dressed as an opera actor. The photograph seems to relate to, or symbolize, the state of China that led to the revolution of 1911. Dr. Sun's revolutionary party included in their oath the words 驅除韃虜，恢復中華, which roughly means "drive off barbarians, restore Central state!" or “Expel Tartars, restore China!” It seems that in this picture, the opera actor with the sword represents the traditional state to be restored; the Manchu official represents the ruling ‘barbarian’; and the seated soldier represents Western military. It would have been obvious to traditional Chinese that the soldier, with his eyes open wide, thick moustache, fairer complexion, kepi hat, striped trousers, and infantry officers' sword etc, was imitating a European. The Qing court was seen as kowtowing to the Western powers and the Han-cultured Chinese is either about to decapitate the Manchu man or at least hold a sword to his neck as a threat. The whole picture was in line with the zeitgeist during the revolution. The photographer was identified by the distinctive studio backdrop, as depicted in a carte de visite. Photograph by Lai Fong & Co., 565 Nanking Road, Shanghai.
Location
Estimated Date
1911-1912
Photographer
Material
Paper
Media
Black and white photograph
