Tzu Hsi Collection

Tz u Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China, c. 1903 (b / w photo)
NUL239718 Tz u Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China, c.1903 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: consort of Emperor Hsien Feng (d.1861); ); French

The display of the bodies of the Emperor Kouang-Siu (1872-1908) and his aunt the Empress Tseu-Hi (1835-1908)
CHT220350 The display of the bodies of the Emperor Kouang-Siu (1872-1908) and his aunt the Empress Tseu-Hi (1835-1908) in the pavilion of imperial longevity

Reception in the throne room before the Dowager Empress Cixi, China (chromolitho)
968425 Reception in the throne room before the Dowager Empress Cixi, China (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Portrait of Li-Lieu Ying, Empress Tzu-Hsis Great Eunuch, late 19th century
NUL111341 Portrait of Li-Lieu Ying, Empress Tzu-Hsis Great Eunuch, late 19th century by Chinese School (19th century); Private Collection; Chinese, out of copyright

The Empress Dowager Cixi with attendants in front of Paiyunmen, Summer Palace, Beijing, c
700708 The Empress Dowager Cixi with attendants in front of Paiyunmen, Summer Palace, Beijing, c.1905 (b/w photo) by Xun Ling (c.1880-1943); Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M

Portrait of Tz U-Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China with ladies-in-waiting
NUL175148 Portrait of Tz U-Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China with ladies-in-waiting and guards (b/w photo) by Chinese School (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Dowager Empress of China, 1908. From Harmsworth History of the World, Volume 2, by Arthur Mee, J.A. Hammerton, & A.D. Innes, M.A. [Carmelite House, London, 1908]

Home of the Empress Dowager, Peking, China, 1901. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Home of the Empress Dowager, Peking, China, 1901. Harmony Gate from elevated walk near the canal. Within the Forbidden City. Stereoscopic slide

The Dowager Empress of China, 1904. The Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908) was regent and de facto ruler of China from 1861 until her death, even though her nephew, the Guangxu Emperor

TZ U HSI (1835-1908). Empress dowager of China, 1875-1908

Portrait of the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) (oil on canvas) (detail of 90986)
XTD209281 Portrait of the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) (oil on canvas) (detail of 90986) by Chinese School, (19th century); Summer Palace, Beijing, China; Chinese, out of copyright

Tz U-Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China, from Le Petit Journal
XIR203291 Tz U-Hsi (1835-1908) Empress Dowager of China, from Le Petit Journal, 8th July 1900 (coloured engraving) by French School, (20th century); Musee de La Presse, Paris, France; French

TZ U HSI (1835-1908). Dowager Empress of China

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Tzu Hsi, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi, was a powerful figure in Chinese history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1835, she rose to prominence as the aunt of Emperor Kouang-Siu and eventually became his regent after his premature death. Her reign was marked by both prosperity and controversy. Tzu Hsi's influence extended beyond her role as regent, making significant political decisions that shaped China's future. She implemented reforms aimed at modernizing the country while maintaining traditional values. Tzu Hsi's rule faced challenges from within and outside of China. Her leadership during the Boxer Rebellion showcased her determination to protect Chinese sovereignty against foreign powers. Despite criticism for her conservative policies, she managed to maintain stability amidst internal conflicts. Portraits depict Tzu Hsi surrounded by her loyal attendants and ladies-in-waiting, showcasing her regal presence and authority. The images capture moments of reception in the throne room where she held court with dignity and grace. The Empress Dowager resided in opulent palaces such as the Summer Palace in Beijing, which served as a symbol of imperial power. These grand structures were witness to Tzu Hsi's reign and reflected her taste for luxury. However, not all aspects of Tzu Hsi's life were glamorous; there were darker elements too. The display of Emperor Kouang-Siu's body alongside hers in the pavilion of imperial longevity illustrates their tragic deaths within months of each other. Behind this enigmatic ruler stood influential figures like Li-Lieu Ying, who served as Tzu Hsi’s Great Eunuch—a testament to her reliance on trusted advisors throughout her reign. Tzu Hsi passed away in 1908 but left an indelible mark on Chinese history. Her legacy is one that continues to be debated—some view her as a progressive reformer, while others criticize her for maintaining an autocratic regime.