Tag Archives: fashion

A scene from a theatrical performance

This enigmatic photograph (Ar02-070) did not have a caption for it in the album owned by the Shanghai policeman William Armstrong (1867-1931, served SMP 1893-1927).  It surely depicts a scene from a theatrical performance?  Whilst the character with the fan … Continue reading

Posted in Photograph of the day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A scene from a theatrical performance

Boy with silk animal face hat, Kunming, 1945

Traditionally, animal face hats were made by a maternal grandmother for her grandson. The animal face – especially the large teeth and eyes – would frighten evil spirits away and so protect the infant. The fruit being sold at the … Continue reading

Posted in Photograph of the day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Boy with silk animal face hat, Kunming, 1945

1925 on the Nanjing road Shanghai, Bicyles, natty dressers, revolution

Another from Shanghai detective chief William Armstron’s albums. This is probably 1 June 1925, and it’s a view along the Nanjing road in Shanghai towards the Wing On department store. The crowd at the junction ahead are gathered around a … Continue reading

Posted in Photograph of the day | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on 1925 on the Nanjing road Shanghai, Bicyles, natty dressers, revolution