Luoyang Bridge (洛阳桥), Quanzhou, Fujian, showing oyster beds

Collection

Identifier

DH-s023

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Notes

University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: DH-s023. This famous stone beam bridge (洛阳桥 also known as Wan'an Bridge and the Bridge of 10,000 Times Peace) in Chang Chew (Chin Chew; Chin Chu; Qhanzhou), Fokien (Fujian province) is made of granite, and was first built in the eleventh century. Oysters were cultivated to help bind the foundations and ship-shaped piers. The natural secretions of the live oysters assisted in reinforcing the structure. This is the first known use of an organism being deliberately deployed for this purpose. This photograph shows the bay at low tide. See Mx04-083 (the bay and bridge at high tide).

Caption on photograph

Location

Quanzhou

Estimated Date

1870-1890

Material

Paper

Media

Black and white photograph