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Form of a Treaty of Marriage in China - from a drawing by a Chinese artist, 1857. Creator: Unknown
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Form of a Treaty of Marriage in China - from a drawing by a Chinese artist, 1857. Creator: Unknown
Form of a Treaty of Marriage in China - from a drawing by a Chinese artist, 1857. Upon the table is a tablet bearing the names of the contracting parties, with doves as emblematic supporters...Early marriages are encouraged in China; among the Mandarins and wealthy classes the matrimonial age varies from sixteen to twenty years in males; from twelve to fourteen in females...One of their customs before marriage, although synonymous with our fashion of sending a lady's portrait, is most extraordinary. As the damsel cannot be seen, her shoe is sent to the gentleman, that he may be enabled to judge of the dimensions of her crippled feet - the smallness of the foot being a Chinaman's beau-ideal of perfection'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857
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Media ID 36346807
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Abuse Agreement Bridal Bride Bridegroom Brides Child Abuse Contract Document Foot Binding Footbinding Gender Groom Hair Decoration Legal Document Misogynistic Misogyny Tradition Treaty Typical Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This wood engraving, titled 'Form of a Treaty of Marriage in China' from a Chinese artist's drawing in 1857, offers a fascinating glimpse into the matrimonial customs of China during the 19th century. The image portrays a simple yet significant scene: a tablet bearing the names of the contracting parties, with doves as emblematic supporters. Marriages were encouraged at an early age among the Mandarins and wealthy classes, with males marrying from sixteen to twenty years old and females from twelve to fourteen. One of the most intriguing pre-marital customs in China, as depicted in this illustration from 'Illustrated London News,' is the sending of a woman's shoe to the groom-to-be. Due to the practice of foot binding, the smallness of a woman's foot was considered the epitome of beauty. As the damsel could not be seen, her shoe became the object of assessment, allowing the groom to make an informed decision based on the size of her crippled feet. This engraving, with its intricate details and rich cultural context, provides a unique window into the traditions and customs of China during this period. The image, reminiscent of a bygone era, showcases the bridal attire, hair decorations, and jewelry of the time. The document, with its formal language and solemnity, serves as a testament to the importance of marriage contracts in Chinese society. Despite its intriguing subject matter, the creator of this drawing remains unknown, adding to the mystery and allure of this piece.
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