A woman lying on a chaise longue in a photographer's studio, with a stuffed cat

A woman lying on a chaise longue in a photographer's studio, with a stuffed cat

Notes

University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: JC-s267. Printed on the back of the post card: Collection Liou-Seu. 'Collection Liou-Seu' was the name of a publisher of post cards, based in Tianjin. Given the pose, the woman was most likely a courtesan (prostitute / sex worker). The message on the (unposted) post card is: "Nov 1921 / Tientsin China / Note the small feet! I measured one a while ago and found it 2 ½ inches from toe to heel. They are contortioned when they are young by bandaging. This is supposed to be a great asset in their chance for marriage and raises them up the social ladder. They never walk out of doors much. If so they are carried in chairs. Cheerio J.D.G.".

Caption on photograph

14. - CITÉ. - Chinoise au repos / CITY. - Chinese woman at rest

Estimated Date

1910

Material

Paper

Media

Black and white photograph

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