Historical China under British painter's brush

British wood-engraving artist Elizabeth Keith's work features Beijing in the early 20th century. [Photo/people.cn]

As one of the world’s most energetic metropolises, Beijing impresses with its fast development and modernization. But what was Beijing like a century ago in a western painter's eyes?

British printmaking artist Elizabeth Keith (AD1887—1956) depicted Beijing in its late Qing Dynasty (AD1636-1912) and early Minguo Era (1912-1949), in her unique Ukiyoe-styled artworks. The female artist taught herself the craft and her marriage to a Japanese businessman gave her the opportunity to travel across Southeast Asia.