Page 184 - A Re-examination of Late Qing Dynasty Porcelain, 1850-1920 THESIS

the later development, as anti-foreign sentiments rose in China, several embassies came

under siege, beginning a 55-day struggle for power. Foreign troops comprised of nearly

20,000 American, British, Germany, Russian, French, and Japanese soldiers ultimately

subdued the Boxers. Along with overtaking the Boxers, these troops took numerous

artifacts from China. The Yuanmingyuan had previously been ransacked beyond repair.

Imagery of the palace’s original appearance survives at the Victoria and Albert Museum

with copperplate engravings documenting the extensive palatial complex (Figure 70).

The engraving is part of an album depicting twenty views of the Yuanmingyuan,

specifically showing the European Pavilions (Xiyanglou 西洋樓). Each view identifies

an ornate palace, lavishly designed with the influence of the Jesuits to create the

ambiance of a European palace. In this example, the View of the Calm Sea Palace

(Haiyangtang 海晏堂) is depicted showing a large palace with sweeping staircases and

large central fountain. The architecture itself emphasizes the Qing interest in western

styles. The engraving also promotes western techniques using strong linear perspective

within each landscape. The artist, Yi Lantai (act. 1749-1786), worked at the Qing court

and was trained by Giuseppe Castiglione linking again to the imperial exploration of the

west. The album serves as one of the few records of the Yuanmingyuan in its original

state of being.

According to some records, institutions like the British Museum hold nearly

23,000 Chinese artifacts as a result of troop looting. 233 Recently, the Chinese press has

233 Some sources vary depending on the country of origin. While China feels strongly that the
objects were stolen and, therefore, should be returned, the cultures holding these objects argue
they are a part of world heritage and are accessible to all. Several of these institutions argue that
the objects were in fact purchased and traded fairly, calling into question how many objects were

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