Take a glimpse of Qing dynasty China through the lensaoji

This portrait of a Buddhist monk is one of the earliest photographs of a religious figure in Peking. Child notes that the monks were among 'the fattest and best clothe[d] in Peking' and this one is no exception. The monk's attendant holds a bound manuscript of Sutras. Child's portraits of religious figures are significant cultural survivals as they illustrate different religious practices in 19th century Peking. [Photo provided by Stephan Loewentheil Historical Photography of China Collection]