China: Through the Lens of John Thomson (1868–1872) Art accessible commentary from the museum’s

accessible commentary from the museum’s curators

Tong Bingxue

This antique tenong is a rare and authentic example of Peranakan Chinese craftsmanship from Palembang or Java

which is considered to be among those that have most strongly impacted the definition of the new art of Southeast Asia

China: Through the Lens of John Thomson (1868–1872) Art accessible commentary from the museum’sThis publication presents a rare and compelling visual account of 19th century China through the pioneering work of Scottish photographer John Thomson. Between 1868 and 1872, Thomson traveled over 5,000 miles across southern, northern, and central Chinaincluding Guangdong, Fujian, Beijing, the northeast, and along the Yangtze Rivercapturing a remarkably diverse range of images. His photographs document landscapes, architecture, street scenes, domestic