Canton China Collection

Canton - temple of 500 gods, between c1910 and c1915. Creator: Bain News Service
Canton - temple of 500 gods, between c1910 and c1915.

The 70th Bengal Native Infantry drawing rations at the Commissariat Stores, Canton, 1858. Creator: Unknown
The 70th Bengal Native Infantry drawing rations at the Commissariat Stores, Canton, 1858. Indian soldiers in China. The Bengalese drawing their rations make a rather good subject for the picturesque;

Sketches in China - a Thief whipped through the Streets of Canton, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Sketches in China - a Thief whipped through the Streets of Canton, 1858. Engraving of a sketch...received by the last Overland Mail from our Special Artist and Correspondent in China, who

Sketches in China - the Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Sketches in China - the Consecration of a Buddhist Abbot at the Temple of Honam - drawn by our special artist and correspondent, 1858

Sketches from China - Chinese Fruit-girl, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Sketches from China - Chinese Fruit-girl, 1858. Young woman selling fruit in Canton. From "Illustrated London News", 1858

View of a triumphal arch on a square in Canton, 1700-1799. Creator: Anon
View of a triumphal arch on a square in Canton, 1700-1799

Chinese Pagodah, - Between Canton & Whampoa, 1834. Creator: Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding
Chinese Pagodah, - Between Canton & Whampoa, 1834. From "Views in India, China and on the Shores of the Red Sea, Vol. I". [Fisher, Son & Co. London, 1835]

View of the Canal, Leading to Gonamu Opposite Canton, 1813.. Creator: Ivan Vasil'evich Chesky
View of the Canal, Leading to Gonamu Opposite Canton, 1813. In 1803-06, Captain I. F. Kruzenshtern became the first Russian to circumnavigate the globe

Goppo, or the Custom Office Director in Canton, Sailing on His Vessel, 1813. Creator: Ivan Vasil'evich Chesky
Goppo, or the Custom Office Director in Canton, Sailing on His Vessel, 1813. In 1803-06, Captain I. F. Kruzenshtern became the first Russian to circumnavigate the globe

View of the British Consulate, Canton, c1891. Creator: James Grant
View of the British Consulate, Canton, c1891. From " Cassells Illustrated History of India Vol. II.", by James Grant. [Cassell Petter & Galpin, London, Paris and New York]

Jui-Lin, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
Jui-Lin, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xiii from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

Tea-Picking in Canton, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
Tea-Picking in Canton, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xix from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

Boat Girls; A Canton Boatwoman and Child; Musicians; Musicians, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. vii from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

A Cantonese Gentleman; A Cantonese Gentleman; Schroffing Dollars; Reeling Silk, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xxii from the album " illustrations of china and its people

A Canton Lady; The Ladys Maid; A Bride and Bridegroom, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
A Canton Lady; The Ladys Maid; A Bride and Bridegroom, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xv from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

A Canton Pawn Shop; Honam Temple, Canton; Temple of Five Hundred Gods, Canton... c. 1868
A Canton Pawn Shop; Honam Temple, Canton; Temple of Five Hundred Gods, Canton; The Abbot of the Temple, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl

The Old Factory Site, Canton, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
The Old Factory Site, Canton, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xvi from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

The British Consular Yamun, Canton, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
The British Consular Yamun, Canton, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xvii from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

Rolling Scented Caper and Gunpowder Teas; Weighing Tea for Exportation; A Tea House... c
Rolling Scented Caper and Gunpowder Teas; Weighing Tea for Exportation; A Tea House, Canton; A Tea-Tasting Room, Canton, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl

Physic Street, Canton, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
Physic Street, Canton, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. xx from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

A Canton Trading Junk, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
A Canton Trading Junk, c. 1868. A work made of collotype, pl. viii from the album " illustrations of china and its people, volume i" (1873)

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"Canton China: A Glimpse into the Rich Tapestry of 19th Century Life" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Canton, China. Through the lens of talented photographers like James Grant and John Thomson, we are transported to a bygone era filled with captivating scenes. One such scene captures the majestic British Consulate overlooking Canton, circa 1891. The grandeur of this architectural marvel is juxtaposed against bustling streets adorned with traditional Chinese attire. Governor-General Jui-Lin's portrait from around 1868 showcases his dignified presence as he presided over the Two Kwang Provinces. His authority extended across these regions, leaving an indelible mark on their history. The tea-picking industry was a vital part of Canton's economy during this period. Thomson's photographs depict laborers diligently plucking tea leaves under the warm sun, showcasing their dedication to producing exquisite teas that would be enjoyed worldwide. Intriguing glimpses into everyday life abound - boat girls gracefully navigating through waterways while musicians serenade passersby with enchanting melodies. These snapshots offer a glimpse into the cultural fabric that defined Canton at that time. Thomson also captured moments within households – from Schroffing Dollars (a form of currency exchange) to silk reeling techniques passed down through generations. These images shed light on both commerce and craftsmanship prevalent in Canton society. The portraits reveal individuals who shaped this city's identity - elegant Cantonese gentlemen exuding confidence; ladies dressed impeccably accompanied by devoted maids; newlyweds embarking on a journey together towards marital bliss. Religious sites held great significance for locals and visitors alike - Honam Temple stood as a testament to spiritual devotion while the Temple of Five Hundred Gods showcased religious diversity within one place. Commerce thrived along Physic Street where shops catered to various medicinal needs, offering remedies steeped in ancient traditions.