These rare photographs, taken from the personal album of a German soldier, offer a unique and intimate glimpse into everyday life in China around 1900.
Captured during a turbulent period of political change and foreign presence, the images show streets, markets, local people, architecture, and daily routines with a documentary honesty rarely seen in official records of the time.
From traditional scenes of village life to the growing influence of Western presence, the album preserves a valuable visual record of China at the turn of the 20th century through the eyes of an ordinary outsider.
Chinese opera performance costumes, China, circa 1900
Probably a courtesan, China, circa 1900
Typical Han Chinese women’s clothing and headwear (probably a courtesan), China, circa 1900
Typical Han Chinese women’s clothing and headwear (probably courtesans), China, circa 1900
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