Ruilin, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, Qing China. Photograph by John Thomson, 1869-1871.

A bald, bearded, elderly man wearing light toned garments, seated, clasping a flat circular metal object [possibly a pocket watch?] in his hand. The floor is covered with elaborate tiles, in the background are columns bearing gilded Chinese characters. A table to his left with a teacup and saucer

Ruilin, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, Late Qing, 1869–71. For Europeans, Ruilin was one of the better-known Chinese officials of the late 19th century. Born a Manchu, Ruilin entered public service at an early age but only rose to high government position at the age of 45. In 1865 he was appointed the governor general of Guangdong and Guangxi, where he dealt extensively with the British. He was often praised for his perfect courtesy and for his genuine intention to cultivate a friendly relationship with the British. Under his administration Guangdong prospered, and there was a greater degree of public contentedness there than had been known for many years

1871.

1 photograph : glass photonegative, wet collodion ; glass approximately 25.5 x 20.5 cm (10 x 8 in.)

Viceroy, Canton 1871. ... of the Kwang, China Bears Thomson's negative number: "665"

John Thomson, Illustrations of China and its people, London, 1873-4, vol. I, pl. XIII, "Jui Lui, governor-general of two Kwang provinces" (similar photograph)

China through the lens of John Thomson, 1868-1872, Beijing: Beijing World Art Museum, 2009, p. 120 (reproduced)

Paisarn Piemmettawat, Siam through the lens of John Thomson 1865-66, including Angkor and coastal China, Bangkok: River Books, 2015, pp. 134

This is one of a collection of original glass negatives made by John Thomson. The negatives, made between 1868 and 1872, were purchased from Thomson by Sir Henry Wellcome in 1921

Wellcome Collection 19574i