Tag Archives: costume

Festival floats in procession, Szemao, Yunnan Province, c.1896-1902

Frederic William Carey served in the Chinese Maritime Customs, from 1891 to 1928.  When stationed at Szemao in the province of Yunnan around the turn of the century, he studied the area and the multivarious tribes peoples, becoming an authority.  … Continue reading

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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

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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

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Bioscoping in Shanghai, c.1923

In this East Meets West, tradition and modernity, studio tableaux, c.1923, two Chinese opera actors meet the celebrity of the day: Charlie Chaplin – or at least Tommy Crellin dressed up as Charlie Chaplin. So, in effect, three photographers in … Continue reading

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