A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.

The leisurely life of Qing Dynasty noblewomen was something that many people at that time wished to have.

The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in Chinese history. In the 46th year of Wanli, the Aisin Gioro clan sent troops to conquer the Central Plains and established the Qing Dynasty, which lasted for more than 200 years.

It was not until Westerners brought cameras to China in the late Qing Dynasty that life under this regime was recorded in its truest form. Thousands of photographs are still considered valuable sources of information for future generations.

The luxurious life of the aristocracy was something that most people at that time always wanted to have. Because they rarely had to do heavy housework and lived happily, with servants.

Picture 1 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
A Manchu woman of noble birth is riding a donkey. The two men in the picture are the woman's servants.

Picture 2 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
The woman standing in front is the concubine of an official. The woman standing behind is her servant.

Picture 3 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
A meeting of noble ladies in the past, drinking tea and chatting. The two people standing are their servants.

Picture 4 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
Wedding photo of bride Zeng Jifen and groom Nie Zhongfang. Zeng Jifen is the daughter of a famous official in the late Qing Dynasty, and Nie Zhongfang is a powerful general.

Picture 5 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
Three rich ladies are enjoying foreign wine together.

Picture 6 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
A Hakka woman. She holds a book in her left hand, a common pose in late Qing Dynasty photo studios.

Picture 7 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
The picture is of a girl of noble birth. Although taken in a studio, the background is intricately arranged, giving the feeling of a real garden. The embroidery on her clothes is very delicate, showing that her family's financial ability is very good.

Picture 8 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
A Manchu noblewoman has her hair styled by a servant.

Picture 9 of A series of photos of the noble lives of women during the Qing Dynasty: Some dressed up to take pictures, others gathered to chat with their sisters.
The person sitting is the biological mother of Emperor Pu Yi, the last Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and also the last Emperor of feudal China. The girl on the left is her servant, serving her tea.

Update 22 November 2024