Hall of Five Hundred Genii at 華林寺 (Hualin Temple), Guangzhou
Collection
Identifier
UB01-21
Notes
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: UB01-21. From an album held in University of Bristol Library, Special Collections (ref: DM2520/1). Hall of Five Hundred Lohan, at 華林寺 (Hualin si Wa Lum, Hua Lin temple), Canton (Guangzhou). The camera moved briefly during the exposure. The temple is described as follows in 'A Pictorial Handbook to Canton': 'A temple which the amateur photographer should not miss visiting, situated in the “Great Market Street.” Many interesting photographs can be obtained of this picturesque building. The temple is dedicated to the Five Genii, who, according to Chinese legends, came to Canton riding through the air on rams. The rams are supposed to have been turned to stone. These stones are preserved in one of the halls of the temple, called “The Sacred Palace of the Five Genii.” In the court-yard is a large square tower, in which an enormous bronze bell is suspended.’ Source: 'Pictorial Handbook to Canton' (Middlesbrough, Hood & Co., 1905), p.15. See Bo01-099.
Caption in album or on mount
Temple of the 500 genii. Canton.
Related Photographs
Location
Estimated Date
1880-1890
Dimensions
268mm x 178mm
Material
Paper
Media
Black and white photograph
Repository
University of Bristol Library, Special Collections
