3-011-578 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Views in China: tombs of the Emperors of the Ming Dynasty, at Nankin, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. F. L. Bedwell, of a 'View of the Tombs of the Ming dynasty of Chinese Emperors, situated near the east gate of the city of Nankin [modern Nanjing], from which the Taeping rebels were lately expelled. Here are two avenues of colossal stone figures, representing, in the one series, the chief warriors and priests of a former historical period; and, in the other series, a variety of animals, such as lions, elephants, camels, and bears, which are deemed symbolical of the principles on which the Chinese monarchy is founded. Our Illustration shows only a portion of this curious Imperial cemetery. Some of the monuments have been defaced and mutilated since the occupation of Nankin by the rebels. The Ming dynasty, which reigned over China from the middle of the fourteenth to the seventeenth century, held its Court at Nankin, as the Tsin dynasty now keeps the seat of government at Pekin [modern Beijing]'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.