Cixi's Mobile Toilet

Cixi's mobile toilet, known as the 'guanfang', was an extremely luxurious national treasure item, primarily available in two types: sandalwood-carved and solid silver-crafted.

Sandalwood-Carved 'Guanfang'

• Appearance and Design: It was carved with a large gecko on the outside, with its four claws gripping the ground as the base and legs. The gecko's bulging belly served as the body of the toilet, its tail curled up to form a rear handle, and its head twisted backward with its mouth slightly open to hold toilet paper. Its two eyes were inlaid with rubies. The overall design was ingenious, combining practicality with artistry.
• User Experience: The toilet was slightly taller than a porcelain basin, allowing one to sit astride it. Inside the gecko's belly was finely ground sandalwood powder, dry and fluffy. When waste fell, it would immediately roll into the sandalwood powder, effectively preventing odors and maintaining a relatively fresh environment.

Solid Silver-Crafted 'Guanfang'

• Material and Craftsmanship: Weighing dozens of pounds, it was intricately carved with exquisite dragon and phoenix motifs all over, showcasing imperial majesty and nobility. The handles were inlaid with ivory and jade, adding to its luxury and enhancing user comfort. The inside of the toilet lid was lined with a soft satin cushion embroidered with gold thread, providing a soft and comfortable seating surface.
• Odor Prevention Design: The interior of the toilet was filled with sandalwood shavings, agarwood powder, and other fragrances to further prevent odors from escaping. Moreover, after each use, palace maids would immediately replace the fragrances to ensure a consistently pleasant environment.
• Supporting Facilities: This 'travel toilet' came with a red sandalwood box lined with silk, which, when carried during Cixi's tours, prevented the toilet from shaking due to bumps, providing excellent protection and stability.

Usage During Tours

When Cixi went on tours, her 'imperial toilet' would accompany her, placed in a dedicated carriage lined with brocade. This not only ensured the stability of the toilet but also guaranteed Cixi's privacy during use. After each use, eunuchs were required to clean the toilet with rose water and refill it with fragrances to maintain its cleanliness and fragrance.