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Tea-Picking in Canton, c. 1868. Creator: John Thomson
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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)
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Media ID 23873583
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1873 Canton Canton China Canton China Collotype Four People Guangdong Republic Of China Guangzhou China J Thompson John Thomson Oriental Social Class Tables Tea Picker Tea Picking Thatched Thomson John Working Class Scots
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Tea-Picking in Canton, c. 1868 - A Glimpse into the Laborious Lives of Chinese Tea Pickers
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photo print, captured by John Thomson in 1868, offers a fascinating insight into the world of tea-picking in Canton, China during the 19th century. The image showcases four women from different social classes diligently engaged in their occupation amidst a picturesque outdoor setting. The scene depicts a group of women sitting around a sturdy wooden table covered with baskets filled to the brim with freshly plucked tea leaves. Dressed in traditional attire, their faces reflect both concentration and resilience as they meticulously sort through the delicate foliage. Thomson's collotype technique beautifully captures every intricate detail - from the thatched roof above them to the rustic furniture they rest upon. This vintage photograph transports us back to an era when agriculture played a vital role in sustaining communities across rural China. As we admire this historic artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago, we are reminded of how labor-intensive professions like tea picking shaped societies and economies worldwide. It serves as an important reminder of our shared human history and cultural heritage. John Thomson's remarkable documentation not only highlights his talent as a photographer but also sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of Chinese culture. Through this image, he immortalizes these hardworking women who contributed significantly to one of China's most cherished traditions - tea production.
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