Luoyang Bridge, Quanzhou, Fujian, showing oyster beds

Collection
Identifier
DH-s023
Copyright
© 2012 Felicity Somers Eve
Notes
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: DH-s023. This famous stone beam bridge (Wan'an Bridge) in Chang Chew (Chin Chew; Chin Chu; Qhanzhou), Fokien (Fujian province) is made of granite, and was first built in the eleventh century. Oysters were cultivated to help bind the foundations and ship-shaped piers. The natural secretions of the live oysters assisted in reinforcing the structure. This is the first known use of an organism being deliberately deployed for this purpose. This photograph shows the bay at low tide. See Mx04-083.
Caption on photograph
44