Original albumen image on its original 3 3/4" x 2 1/4" mount. On the back in period handwritten ink is, "Opium Smokers". This was taken in China, by a Chinese photographer, it is not the work of a Westerner, and was part of a larger collection of photos either taken by, or distributed by Hong Kong photographer N'Gha Chan. Other CDVs in this lot have Chan's imprint, which reads, "N'GHA CHAN, 60 QUEEN'S ROAD, H.K". Chan operated in H.K. in from the 1860s until the 1880s.
This CDV is possibly a pirated version of a larger image, that was then sold in CDV format by Chan.
This image and the larger collection mentioned above were collected by a United States sailor on his visit to China circa 1863; one of the photos is labeled, "Our Photographer" and is of a Chinese man (almost certainly Chan) in traditional clothing. Others are labeled, "Canton Women", "Chinese Transport", etc.
This image is in very good antique condition.. some age-related discoloration and/or soiling on the mount.... no creases.
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