North Gate, Peking by Cyrus Baldridge
North Gate, Peking
Cyrus Baldridge
Title
North Gate, Peking
Artist
Year
1925
Technique
color woodcut
Image Size
14 1/4 x 9 9/16" image
Signature
pencil, lower left
Edition Size
No 34/200
Annotations
inscribed: PEKING '25 in lower right; dedicated: "To Wally" in lower center margin; circular chop in lower right image
Reference
#4 on a checklist for the 1954 Exhibition of Wood-Blocks in Color and Drypoints by Cyrus Leroy Baldridge at the California State Library, Sacramento, Fall 1954
Paper
cream laid
State
published
Publisher
Inventory ID
CAAL221
Price
$800.00
Description
An image of the 15th century Deshengmen archery tower and curved barbican wall in Beijing, China. Known as the Gate of Virtuous Triumph, it is all that remains of the northern city wall. The gate was historically used as the departure gate for the imperial army as they marched to battle; upon return, they would use the Andingman, or the Gate of Peace and Stability.
In this image, the land beneath the wall is open and is used by Beijing's citizens as they go about their daily chores and business. Now, the wall is a major transportation hub and tourist destination, surrounded by a wrought iron gate and colorful spotlights for nighttime illumination.