Canton. View of the West Gate, taken within the City Walls

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Canton. View of the West Gate, taken within the City Walls

Pierre Joseph Rossier. Views in China issued by Negretti and Zambra in 1859 and 1861. First Series and second series. These important images were the first commercial views of China to be sold in the west. Date: 1858-1861

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Media ID 32264020

© Classic Photographics / Mary Evans Picture Library

1858 1861 1859 1861 Canton Commercial Important Issued Negretti Orient Pierre Rossier Sold Walls Zambra

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "View of the West Gate, taken within the City Walls of Canton," is an exquisite 19th-century representation of one of China's most iconic landmarks. Taken by the renowned Swiss photographer Pierre Joseph Rossier between 1858 and 1861, this image is a significant contribution to the early visual record of China in the Western world. The West Gate, also known as the Haicangmen or the Western Peace Gate, is a grand entrance to the ancient city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton. This gate served as the primary entry point for foreign traders during the Qing Dynasty, making it a symbol of cultural exchange between the East and the West. The photograph captures the gate in all its splendor, with its intricate carvings, red-painted walls, and ornate roofs. The city walls, which once encircled Guangzhou, can be seen in the background, providing a sense of the scale and fortification of this historic city. Rossier's photograph is part of a series of views of China published by Negretti and Zambra, a leading London-based astronomical and scientific instrument makers. These images were the first commercial views of China to be sold in the West, making them invaluable resources for scholars, collectors, and those curious about the mysterious Orient. This photograph not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of China and its enduring allure. The intricate details of the West Gate and the bustling city beyond invite us to explore the history and stories that lie within.

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