A mise en scène relating to queue cutting, c.1911
Collection
Identifier
Ar02-070
Copyright
© 2007 Adam Scott Armstrong
Notes
University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: Ar02-070. No caption in the album for this Early Republic photograph. The photograph seems to tell a story relating to queue cutting. Whilst discretely pouring a beer for the seated soldier, the central figure is about to have his queue cut by a man dressed as an opera actor. The tableau might be a recreation of a scene in a play or opera? Many men, willingly or unwillingly, had their queues cut after the 1911 Revolution in China. The shaved forehead and queue hair style was redolent of the Qing (a foreign, non-Han) Dynasty. The photographer was identified by the distinctive studio backdrop. Photograph by Lai Fong & Co., 565 Nanking Road, Shanghai.
Location
Estimated Date
1911-1912
Photographer
Material
Paper
Media
Black and white photograph
