The Emperor's Mobile Toilet
The emperor's mobile toilet, known as the 'guanfang', was a portable commode exclusively used by the Qing Dynasty royal family.
Shape and Structure: The guanfang consisted of a stool and a commode component, constructed from wood or tin. Some guanfangs were adorned with gemstones and carved with auspicious patterns, combining practicality with artistic beauty. For instance, the design of wrapping excrement with sandalwood shavings not only deodorized but also prevented splashing. The trays were mostly made of brass, engraved with dragon patterns, and had smooth, seamless inner walls to prevent dirt from adhering. A thick layer of cotton paper was laid at the bottom for both leak-proofing and comfort.
Materials and Craftsmanship: The materials used for the guanfang were extremely exquisite, commonly including rosewood, sandalwood, or high-quality ceramics. For example, it is recorded that the emperor's guanfang was carved from sandalwood into the shape of a gecko, with the gecko's belly serving as the commode and its mouth holding toilet paper. Empress Dowager Cixi's guanfang was hollowed out from a single block of sandalwood, with the exterior carved with a pattern of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, the feathers clearly visible, the phoenix's crown gilded, and seven red gemstones embedded on the tray, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and extreme luxury.
Usage Procedures and Rules: The guanfang was kept and transported by dedicated eunuchs. When the emperor needed to relieve himself, a eunuch had to carry the guanfang on his head to the entrance of the imperial bedroom, and then a palace maid would carry it in with both hands. The entire process had to be conducted in absolute silence, with strict rules governing the placement of toilet paper, the items laid on the ground, and the direction in which personnel exited. The excrement was treated with incense ash and regularly transported out by the 'jingjun' (cleaning troops) to ensure hygiene and concealment.
Functions and Characteristics: The design of the guanfang fully reflected the luxury of the Qing Dynasty royal family and their extreme pursuit of life's details. Its deodorizing, anti-splashing, and leak-proof functions, as well as its exquisite carvings and inlaid craftsmanship, not only met practical needs but also became symbols of status and identity. Meanwhile, the strict usage procedures and rules also reflected the severity of court etiquette and the distinctness of the hierarchical system.
