THE RESTLESS HAREM
For this project, I'm focusing on the stories of concubines who spent most of their lives in grand palaces and mansions, scheming against each other to gain favor and titles from the male family owner. Concubinage was common until the early Chinese Republic, with my focus on the late Qing dynasty to the 20th century. These women were raised with the singular goal of bearing the oldest male heir, who would inherit the family title. To achieve this, they had to master proper behavior, conceal their flaws, and outwit rivals. Regardless of their background, education, or beliefs, they all pursued this as their only path to a "meaningful life," as dictated by society.
Designs by Sia Fang
Photo by He Xin
Makeup by Sharon Xinran Zhang
Modeled by Kiki Yuan & Laurel Fang
