A study of doors, locks, and passage through Shanghai and Beijing
This series focuses on the often-overlooked details of door hardware found throughout Shanghai and Beijing. Seen up close, these elements reveal a quiet richness, ranging from worn, utilitarian fittings in Shanghai’s older neighborhoods to more ornate, historically rooted fixtures within sites such as the Forbidden City.
Surface wear, patina, and irregular textures reflect long-term use and the passage of time, while more intricate designs speak to craftsmanship and cultural tradition embedded in historic architecture. Together, these variations highlight the contrast between everyday urban life and imperial history.
Isolated from their surroundings, these objects become visual records of material culture, offering subtle insight into the people, spaces, and histories they have long served.
