Source 1 Xunling (1903-4) Empress Dowager Cixi (photograph)

Source 1 Xunling (1903-4) Empress Dowager Cixi (photograph)

Late Qing Government Reforms

This photograph depicts the Empress Dowager Cixi in traditional regalia complete with elaborate nail guards. Cixi suffered from an image problem, and was considered aloof from everyday society. She launched several reforms and investigated the possibility of a constitutional monarchy in an attempt to reinvigorate the Qing Dynasty. She also entertained many foreign officials in order to court money and support. This was particularly important after her support of the Boxer Rebellion which had attempted to expel foreigners from China. Before her death in 1908, she appointed Puyi the child emperor who would become China's last ever monarch.

Xunling

MIT Visualising Cultures Project David Hogge

https://visualizingcultures.mit.edu/empress_dowager/cx_essay01.html