Through the lens of John Thomson, Hong Kong and Coastal China, 1868-1872
A Foreign Settlement, (Shantou, Guangdong 1871) - Shantou, situated on the eastern coast of Guangdong, is both densely populated and very fertile. In 1858 it became an open port and a formal foreign settlement was built up four years later in an area known as Kakchio (Queshi). Because the settlement was situated on a hill comprising barren rocks, rich soil from the plain was imported so that the foreign residents could enjoy gardens and lawns. The houses of Europeans were built with native concrete and in colonial styles with verandas. The large one in the photo is said to have been the residence of Messrs. Richardson & Co., the boss of a sugar merchant company from Glasgow, Scotland. Dr Jiao Tianlong, the Chief Curator of Hong Kong Maritime Museum the piece is his favorite.
A Foreign Settlement, (Shantou, Guangdong 1871)
<BR>Shantou, situated on the eastern coast of Guangdong, is both densely populated and very fertile. In 1858 it became an open port and a formal foreign settlement was built up four years later in an area known as Kakchio (Queshi). Because the settlement was situated on a hill comprising barren rocks, rich soil from the plain was imported so that the foreign residents could enjoy gardens and lawns. The houses of Europeans were built with native concrete and in colonial styles with verandas. The large one in the photo is said to have been the residence of Messrs. Richardson & Co., the boss of a sugar merchant company from Glasgow, Scotland.
<BR>Dr Jiao Tianlong, the Chief Curator of Hong Kong Maritime Museum said the piece is his favorite.
A Cantonese Schoolboy, (Guangzhou, Guangdong, 1869–70)
<BR>Although Thomson often quibbled about the old system of education in China, he was greatly impressed by the diligence and aptitude of Chinese schoolboys and their capacity in acquiring knowledge. He also noted, in different parts of the country there were attempts to modernize the education system, and some schools had adopted western learning. This boy is wearing a queue (plaited hair) and holding a board and a book in his hands. He looks straight ahead rigorously, as if he is looking into the future.
