Porcelain Tower of Nanking
Engraving, by Henry Adlard, after Thomas Allom, published 1858

The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing, once renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, stood as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient China. Erected during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century, this extraordinary structure was adorned with porcelain tiles and sculptures, making it a dazzling sight to behold. Rising to a height of nearly 80 meters, the tower was a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship, attracting visitors from far and wide to marvel at its beauty and intricacy. During the Qing Dynasty, there were concerns about the structural integrity of the tower, and it fell into disrepair. In 1856, lightning struck the tower, causing significant damage. In 1857, during the Taiping Rebellion, the tower was further damaged and eventually dismantled by Qing Dynasty forces to prevent it from being used as a vantage point by rebel forces.