Peking Observatory.

1874

University of Otago Library Special Collections: Double Oversize - DS 709 TF74

s43

London : Sampson Low.

"The instrument ... is of huge dimensions, cast in solid bronze, and is of the most beautiful workmanship. The stand of this piece of mechanism has a mythological significance, and its design is of remarkable artistic excellence. Four of the dragons, which play such an important part in Chinese geomancy, are there seen chained to the earth, and upholding the spheres. The perfect modelling and solidity of the metal proves that the art of casting was well understood in those days" (Thomson, 1874, v.IV, 11).

490 mm (width)

Illustrations of China and its people : a series of two hundred photographs with letterpress descriptive of the places and people represented / John Thomson (London : Sampson Low, 1873-1874), v.IV.

Illustrations of China and its people : a series of two hundred photographs with letterpress descriptive of the places and people represented.