The Portable Toilet of Empress Dowager Cixi

The portable toilet of Empress Dowager Cixi was known as the 'guanfang' and was a court artifact that combined practicality with luxury, making it a national treasure-level item.

Material and Design

The guanfang came in a variety of materials, with porcelain basins being relatively common. However, the one often used by Empress Dowager Cixi was carved from sandalwood. Its design was extremely ingenious: it was carved externally into the shape of a large gecko, with its four claws gripping the ground as the base. The body had faint scale patterns, the bulging abdomen served as the main body of the toilet, the tail curled to form a rear handle, the head twisted backward with eyes looking upward, and the slightly open mouth was used to place toilet paper. Moreover, the eyes were inlaid with rubies. The overall height was slightly higher than that of an ordinary porcelain basin, allowing a person to sit on it. This design not only conformed to ergonomics but also endowed the artifact with a sense of majesty through the animal image.

Deodorization Function

The deodorization design of the guanfang was truly exquisite. The abdomen of the large gecko was filled with fragrant wood powder (there is also a saying that it was a mixture of sandalwood shavings and agarwood powder), which was dry and fluffy. After the excrement fell, it would be immediately wrapped by the fragrant wood powder, effectively isolating the odor. After each use, the palace maids would promptly replace the fragrance to ensure a fresh environment. This design reflected the Qing court's extreme pursuit of life's details.

Degree of Luxury

• Material and Decoration: Some guanfangs were made of pure silver, weighing dozens of pounds. Their surfaces were carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, the handles were inlaid with ivory and jade, and the inside of the toilet lid was lined with a soft satin cushion embroidered with gold threads, fully displaying royal dignity.
• Portable Configuration: The portable guanfang used during outings was equipped with a red sandalwood box. The inside of the box was lined with silk to prevent the toilet from shaking during bumps, taking into account both practicality and a sense of ceremony.

Usage Regulations During Outings

• Special Carriage: A specially made carriage was set up in the imperial procession to store the guanfang. The inside of the carriage was covered with brocade to ensure Empress Dowager Cixi's privacy when using the toilet.
• Cleaning Process: After each use, the eunuchs needed to clean the guanfang with rose water and refill it with fragrance to ensure it was always available. This process was strict and cumbersome, reflecting the hierarchical system of court services.

The guanfang of Empress Dowager Cixi was not just a toilet but also a symbol of power and wealth. Its design, materials, and usage regulations all reflected the unique style of Qing court culture.