Lot Essay
Von Eckermann's ship La Thémis first arrived in Shanghai on 10 April 1880, from where it proceeded to Peking, Shanghai, Woosung and Japan, returning to China at Chefoo in August of the same year. It continued to travel throughout this area and to Hong Kong until August 1881. The photographs include seven Chinese portrait or costume studies, one of a woman's bound foot, and all apparently by von Stillfried. These may have been taken in Japan although the studio props differ from those in many of his Japanese subjects suggesting they were photographed in China or Hong Kong. The views include one of Saigon, two of the Ming Tombs, the majority of others being in or near Peking with views of the Great Wall, the Pass of Nan Kow, the remains of the grounds and buildings of the old Summer Palace and the Observatory.