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Foochow Coolies; A Foochow Detective; The Chief of Thieves; Beggars Living in a Tour, c
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Foochow Coolies; A Foochow Detective; The Chief of Thieves; Beggars Living in a Tour, c
Foochow Coolies; A Foochow Detective; The Chief of Thieves; Beggars Living in a Tour, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xxi from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume ii" (1873)
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Media ID 23873541
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1873 Beggar Beggars Collotype Coolie Criminal Daily Life Destitute Foochow Fujian Zhonghua China Housing J Thompson John Thomson Labourer Labourers Local People Oriental Prig Thief Thieves Thomson John
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Foochow Coolies; A Glimpse into the Lives of China's Working Class
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photograph, taken by Scottish photographer John Thomson in 1868, offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Foochow (now Fuzhou), a city in Fujian province, China. The image is part of Thomson's renowned album "Illustrations of China and Its People" which beautifully captures various aspects of Chinese society during the 19th century. In this particular print, we see a group of coolies - manual laborers hired for physical tasks - going about their work. Their weathered faces reflect years of hard toil under challenging conditions. Among them stands a remarkable figure: a Foochow detective who exudes an air of authority and determination. The composition also features two intriguing characters: "The Chief of Thieves" and beggars living in what appears to be an improvised shelter. These individuals provide insight into the darker side of society at that time, highlighting issues such as crime and poverty. Thomson's collotype technique adds depth to this vintage artwork, capturing intricate details with precision. Through his lens, he not only documents occupations but also preserves cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate. As we observe these men from different walks of life captured frozen in time, it serves as a reminder that behind every face lies unique stories waiting to be discovered – tales that shed light on both individual struggles and collective experiences within this vibrant Oriental country.
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