Monumental Slabs at the Eastern Terminus - Great Wall of China, 1850. Creator: Unknown

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Monumental Slabs at the Eastern Terminus - Great Wall of China, 1850. Creator: Unknown

Monumental Slabs at the Eastern Terminus - Great Wall of China, 1850. The first objects that arrested our attention on the platform were three monumental slabs of black marble - two standing close to the wall, the third removed from its base: a curiously-carved altar-shaped pedestal lay extended on the ground. On one of the standing slabs is deeply inscribed the sentence, "Heaven created Earth and Sea"; and on the other, "Only a Spoonful". The import of this latter sentence we were at a loss to conjecture: it may have had reference to the placid waters of the Gulf of Leotong; or, perhaps, is intended as an allusion to the nothingness of this vast structure when compared with the works of Creation. From "Illustrated London News", 1850

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Media ID 36200012

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Great Wall Of China Inscribed Inscription Inscriptions Marble Monumental Slab Stones

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> Asia > China > China Heritage Sites > The Great Wall

> Historic > Ancient civilizations > Great Wall of China

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print, dating back to 1850, showcases the Monumental Slabs at the Eastern Terminus of the Great Wall of China. The image, created by an unknown photographer, was first published in the Illustrated London News. The first objects that draw the eye in this image are three monumental slabs of black marble, two standing proudly next to the wall, and the third one lying on the ground. On one of the standing slabs, the inscription "Heaven created Earth and Sea" is deeply etched, while the other bears the cryptic phrase "Only a Spoonful." The significance of the latter inscription remains a mystery. It could be a reference to the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Leotong or an allusion to the insignificance of this colossal structure when compared to the works of creation. The intriguing inscriptions add an air of mystery to this already awe-inspiring sight. The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Chinese civilization. The fortifications stretch over 13,000 miles and were built to protect the Chinese empire from invasions. This photograph print offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to the 19th century when travel to China was a novelty, and the Great Wall was a tourist attraction for the British. The Monumental Slabs at the Eastern Terminus of the Great Wall of China stand as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark. This image, with its intriguing inscriptions, continues to intrigue and inspire, inviting us to explore the mysteries of the past.

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