Altar and tablet to Confucius, Hall of Great Accomplishment (Dachengdian), Confucius Temple, Beijing
Collection
Identifier
PF01-08
Notes
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: PF01-08. Photograph by John Thomson. The Great Perfection Hall or Hall of Great Accomplishment. In 'Illustrations of China and its People' (1873-1874), vol IV, John Thomson wrote: "Within, the lofty roof is supported by solid teak pillars fifty feet in height, and the tablet of the great sage faces you as you enter the hall. In front of this tablet there is a simple altar surmounted by a bronze censer, and flanked by bronze candelabra. The tablet itself consists of the plain strip of wood, which is shown in the centre of No. 36, and is inscribed with these words in Manchu and Chinese, 'The soul of the most holy ancestral teacher Confucius.' There are also the tablets of his four chief disciples ranged on each side of his own. The inscription above is in large letters of gold, and runs thus, 'The teacher and example of ten thousand generations.'" See a scan of Thomson's negative (Wellcome Collection ref: 19525i).
Location
Date
1871
Photographer
Material
Paper
Media
Black and white photograph
