Take a glimpse of Qing dynasty China through the lensaoji

Child made several photographs of Circular Mound Altar, part of the Temple of Heaven. In times of drought, the Emperor prayed for rain in ceremonies held at the marble stone altar. Child writes, 'Here the emperor kneels under the canopy of Heaven–the highest on earth worshiping the Highest in Heaven–surrounded by a select circle of attendants, before the dawn of day, with solemn strains of music floating in the air, and the flickering light of the sacrifices and offering illuminating the scene. It must have a very impressive effect, and is calculated to make one feel the solemnity of the proceedings'. [Photo provided by Stephan Loewentheil Historical Photography of China Collection]