Up one level Amber Waves Photography Galleries » China 2005 » Tiananmen and Beijing

Tiananmen and Beijing
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Previous page At last page 33-63 (of 63 found)
Forbidden25 Next my explorations took me to the Concubine quarters These are sealed up and can only be viewed through very dirty windows. Regrettably, they are in desperate need of cleaning inside as well, but these next pictures give a peek into how they lived. Each quarter was separate, and likely reflected not only the status of the Concubine, but also her personality and individual tastes. Forbidden25
Forbidden26 Artwork in one concubine room. Forbidden26
Forbidden27 Another sleeping bench. Forbidden27
Forbidden28 A higher status concubine I believe - part of a 2-room suite. Forbidden28
Forbidden29 Another view of that suite. The individual objects d'art are preserved behind glass, but the glass doesn't seem to be air tight as there is dust on the sculptures as well. Forbidden29
Forbidden30 Wish I could really get close to the sculptures - they look exquisite! Forbidden30
Forbidden31 The silk on these benches was obviously quite fine. But by western standards, the furnishings weren't terribly plush. However, compared to commoners, the cushioning was probably extravagant. Forbidden31
Forbidden32 Interesting conservation work holding this together. But look at that gilding and enamel! Forbidden32
Forbidden33 One of the more richly colored quarters. Forbidden33
Forbidden34 Another of what I presume was a high ranked concubine. Forbidden34
Forbidden35 Even the wood quality was remarkable. Forbidden35
Forbidden36 These quarters greatly intrigued me. The women lead such a separate life. Forbidden36
Forbidden37 One of the more elaborate rooms. Forbidden37
Forbidden38 Very fine porcelean work. Forbidden38
Forbidden39 This is something I'd truly love to have. It's amazing this all remains and wasn't looted. Forbidden39
Forbidden40 Another recurring theme as you go through the City is the elaborate ceilings. When you go, don't just look straight ahead. Be careful as you're walking, but make sure to look up frequently. Not an inch of space was left unadorned in the ceremonial halls. Forbidden40
Forbidden40m1 Another beautiful ceiling treatment (as Mom would say since she took this picture). Forbidden40m1
Forbidden40m2 And you think crown moldings are fancy? Not in this City! Picture taken by Mom. (Some day I'll give her real name, but she won't mind her copyright and attribution being under Forbidden40m2
Forbidden40m3 I did view the public ceremonial rooms, but because they are closed off and only viewable from outside the building, and unlit, I found them a bit disappointing. If you really want to see these, rent The Last Emperor - that was actually filmed in these rooms and gives you a much better sense of the grandeur. Still, I'm glad I saw them. Forbidden40m3
Forbidden41 Imperial Bedchamber. Notice all the Imperial Yellow which was forbidden to be used by any but the Emperor? Forbidden41
Forbidden42 And now we get to see more of the Lion sculptures. You'd think they'd all be alike, but they each have a bit different character to them. Wonder if the eunochs had them named? Forbidden42
Forbidden43 One from another area. Forbidden43
Forbidden44 Yes, another one. I have to presume the lack of oxidation on the top-facing surface has something to do with the acid rain. Forbidden44
Forbidden44m Yes, I come by my fascination honestly - this is one of Mom's pictures. Forbidden44m
Forbidden44m1 Had to get in a picture taken by Mom of our wonderful guide, Yang. He was just fabulous! Intelligent, friendly, and when I became ill and needed assistance, he took remarkable care of the logistics. He truly cared about my welfare. A remarkable young man. Forbidden44m1
Forbidden45 Another private courtyard area. Some seemed grand. This one seemed intimate - some where you'd go to have some peace and quiet. Forbidden45
Forbidden46 My final major stop in the City was in the Hall of Jewelry. One of the ceremonial crowns of the collection. Forbidden46
Forbidden47 Another crown. Wow. Forbidden47
Forbidden48 Exiting the City, this view is of the Forbidden48
Forbidden48m One of the final buildings before exiting. Also the only round one I noticed. Mom's picture again. Forbidden48m
Forbidden48m1 Mom also snapped this shot of this building. She never heard what it was, and I didn't find it on my explorations (after almost 5 hours in the City, I was totally worn out when I got to the back buildings and took the quickest route I could outside). Forbidden48m1

This album has 415 items in total    |    Album was updated 7/5/05 1:42 PM    |    Generated by JAlbum 5.2, custom skin ExhibitPlus 1.4