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Dou Kee, Chinese servant, mowing the lawn, Dom Smith, Vladivostok, Russia, 1899. Creator: Eleanor Lord Pray
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Dou Kee, Chinese servant, mowing the lawn, Dom Smith, Vladivostok, Russia, 1899. Creator: Eleanor Lord Pray
Dou Kee, Chinese servant, mowing the lawn, Dom Smith, Vladivostok, Russia, 1899. Showing scene described in Eleanor Pray's letter of May 28, 1899: "The other day Dou Kee was mowing the lawn and he began to talk to me about something which I could not in the least understand for his Russian and mine are too [sic] different languages. When I got his meaning through my head, I learned that he wanted me to take his picture with the lawn mower! As you may imagine I was not at all slow to take advantage of such gracious permission and I got a splendid picture, which I will send you next time if I do not forget it.". In: Photograph album of Pray family expatriate life in Vladivostok, Russia. Eleanor L. Pray Collection
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Media ID 35134277
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Eleanor Lord Pray Eleanor Pray Expat Expatriate Gardening Gardening Equipment Lawn Machine Machinery Mowing Photographic Pray Eleanor Pray Eleanor Lord Servant Servants Vladivostok Primorye Rossiya Russia Lawn Mower Lawnmower Meeting Of Frontiers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, Dou Kee, a Chinese servant, is seen mowing the lawn at the Dom Smith residence in Vladivostok, Russia, in 1899. The scene captures Dou Kee in a full-length, outdoor portrait as he focuses intently on his task. The lawnmower, a machine that was relatively new at the time, is positioned in front of him, its blades turning smoothly through the lush grass. Eleanor Lord Pray, the photographer, describes in a letter from May 28, 1899, how Dou Kee approached her while she was observing him work and requested that she take his picture with the lawnmower. Delighted by this unexpected request, Pray quickly captured the moment, resulting in a splendid image that showcases the meeting of frontiers between different cultures and the daily life of expatriates in Vladivostok, Russia. The photograph is a testament to the diverse population of Vladivostok during the late 19th century, where people from various backgrounds and occupations coexisted. Dou Kee, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, stands out against the backdrop of the Russian residence, demonstrating the rich cultural blend that characterized this region. This historic image offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Chinese servant in Russia, showcasing the use of gardening equipment and the importance of maintaining the lawns of expatriate homes. The photograph is part of the Eleanor L. Pray Collection at the Library of Congress, providing valuable insights into the lives of expatriates in Vladivostok, Russia, during the late 19th century. The image is a reminder of the unique experiences and encounters that shaped the lives of people from different backgrounds and the enduring impact of cultural exchange on a global scale.
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