Photos of Qing Dynasty mandarins through the lens of Western photographers

John Thomson, a Scot, left behind a series of photographic works about important officials of the late Qing Dynasty, China .

According to Photo 100 , John Thomson (1837-1921, left cover) was among the first Western photographers to travel to the East, taking pictures of people and landscapes in Asia in the 19th century. In addition to taking pictures, he was also a geologist and explorer. John Thomson first came to Asia in 1862, visiting India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. In 1869, John Thomson returned to China and opened a photography studio there. Three years later, the artist returned to England and published the photo book "China and the Chinese". John Thomson established good relationships with the locals, recording many works about politicians and noble families.

Photo of Aisin Gioro Yixin (1833-1898) taken in his palace. Yixin was the sixth prince of Emperor Daoguang and Empress Xiaojingcheng. According to Photo100 , Yixin was a typical high-ranking official of the late Qing Dynasty, intelligent, quick-witted, and once a powerful assistant to Empress Dowager Cixi. During the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, because he opposed the emperor's renovation of Yuanmingyuan, he was almost dismissed from his position, but was protected by Empress Dowager Cixi. However, the Empress Dowager was still wary and suspicious of Yixin because of his talent and influence. In the late 1880s, Empress Dowager Cixi stripped Yixin of all his positions, and from then on he lived in seclusion, not caring about politics. Yixin died at the age of 65.

Mao Changxi (1817-1882) - Minister of Public Works of the Qing Dynasty. He was considered a key figure in the military field and was highly regarded by the court. Mao Changxi's portrait was taken by John Thomson in the 10th year of Tongzhi (1871).

Portrait of the great minister Thuy Lan (1809-1874), who held the positions of Minister of Rites, Minister of Revenue, and Cabinet Scholar. During the reign of Emperor Tong Tri, Thuy Lan governed the two regions of Guangdong and Guangxi.

Photo of Shen Guifen (1818-1880) , taken in the 1860s. Shen Guifen held positions in the imperial courts of the Tongzhi and Guangxu dynasties.

Portrait of Que Tung Khanh , an official during the reign of Emperor Tong Tri, taken in the 1860s.

From left to right: the ministers Bao Jun, Dong Xun and Mao Suong Hi. Bao Jun held the position of general manager of the interior department and Dong Xun was a first-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue (managing the financial sector).

Portrait of Dong Xun , he held positions under the reigns of Emperors Daoguang, Xianfeng, Tongzhi and Guangxu. Dong Xun was good at English, and translated "A Psalm of Life" by American author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was sent to negotiate in England, Russia, America and Belgium.

Photo of a mandarin sitting in a palanquin, taken in the 1860s.

The mandarin's wife (right) and the servant.