Portable Toilets of the Qing Dynasty

Portable toilets in the Qing Dynasty were known as 'guanfang' and were exclusive to the royal family. They differed from the 'mǎtǒng' (chamber pot) and 'biànpén' (bedpan) used by the common people, featuring exquisite design and combining luxury with practicality.

Shape and Material
The guanfang consisted of a stool and a basin component, with the main structure made of wood or tin. Some guanfang were inlaid with gemstones and carved with auspicious patterns. For example, Empress Dowager Cixi's guanfang was carved from sandalwood into the shape of a large gecko, with rubies inlaid for the eyes and a slot in the mouth for holding toilet paper, allowing the user to sit astride it. The basin was filled with sandalwood shavings or fine sandalwood powder, which immediately wrapped around the excrement upon descent, preventing the spread of odors. Additionally, there were 'tan' in the palace where feces were buried in wood ash, with a layer of soft wood ash at the bottom to isolate odors. After use, these were cleaned by dedicated personnel and reused. However, 'guanfang' specifically referred to those used by the royal family and were more elaborately designed.

Usage Process and Staff Allocation
The guanfang were stored and transported by dedicated eunuchs. When in use, palace maids would lay out oilcloth and assist the royal family in using the toilet. The excrement was treated with incense ash and regularly transported outside by 'jingjun' (eunuchs responsible for cleaning) to maintain cleanliness. Ordinary palace maids and eunuchs used 'jingtǒng' (chamber pots) or 'biànpén' (bedpans), creating a strict hierarchical distinction from the royal family.

Function and Cultural Symbolism
The design of the guanfang combined practicality with symbolic significance. For example, Empress Dowager Cixi's guanfang had its gecko's belly filled with fine sandalwood powder, into which the excrement quickly rolled to prevent splashing. The gecko shape implied 'avoiding misfortune,' while the ruby inlays showcased royal dignity. The use of sandalwood and gemstones not only enhanced the user experience but also reflected the royal family's extreme pursuit of life's details, making them 'national treasure-level' items.

Hierarchical System and Historical Background
The Qing palace did not have fixed toilets; the emperor, empress, and concubines all used guanfang, while ordinary palace maids and eunuchs used simple 'jingtǒng.' This reflected the strict hierarchical system of the Qing Dynasty. As exclusive items for the royal family, the materials, craftsmanship, and usage procedures of the guanfang were all carefully designed to meet physiological needs while serving as symbols of power and status.