Canton, Kwangtung (Guangdong) province, China: two seated musicians. Photograph by John Thomson, 1869.

  • Thomson, J. (John), 1837-1921.
Date:
1869
Reference:
19618i
  • Pictures

Selected images from this work

View 2 images

About this work

Description

Two seated musicians. They both hold stringed instruments: the 'southern lute' and 'Taiwan harp'. Both instruments were originally from Central Asia. They have been present in popular local singing performances throughout southern China, especially in Guangdong and Hong Kong, since the 19th century. Such performances were seen in a wide range of venues, from brothels to the homes of the elite, and they were always performed by blind musicians. In addition to traditional themes, the musicians often provided improvisations on current affairs and local life. These two musicians were hired for festival celebrations. As Thomson observed, wandering minstrels were a Chinese institution: in most cases the musician was blind, but might be accompanied by a sing-song girl, who tuned his lute and sang simple ballads to his music

Publication/Creation

1869

Physical description

1 photograph : paper photonegative on papier Joseph, wet collodion

Lettering

Musicians, Canton Bears Thomson's negative number: "687" Bears number: 7

Notes

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

References note

John Thomson, Illustrations of China and its people, London, 1873-4, vol. I, pl. VII, (reversed) "Musicians"
China through the lens of John Thomson, 1868-1872, Beijing: Beijing World Art Museum, 2009, p. 138 (reproduced)

Reference

Wellcome Collection 19618i

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    By appointmentManual request

    Note

Permanent link