A new shop opening for business, Peking

University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China reference number: WC01-161.  Thomas Child photographed a similar temporary structure and noted that: 'It is a usual thing upon a new shop commencing business to erect a large structure of poles extending across the front of the shop and well into the street, the whole is covered with red cloth on which are stuck gold characters, lauding their wares higher than the structure. The inside is hung with lanterns and pictures which attract great crowds … a good trade is done for a few days, and the shop is duly advertised'.