very rare antique photograph chinese teacher & students or troupe from china?

very rare antique photograph chinese teacher & students or troupe from china?

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Original late-1890s cabinet card photo of what appears to be a Chinese teacher, assistants and young students. Imprint on the mount is Stetzer Studio in Chicago, Illinois. This was purchased along with several period photos of American missionaries in China, some showing the American in traditional Chinese clothing. I believe this photo was likely taken in China, and when the missionaries returned home to Chicago they gave the original negative to Stetzer to create this cabinet card. Of course it's also a possibility that this image was taken in Chicago and this group was visiting from China.

Overall in very good antique condition with light surface damage in the lower-left corner, as shown. 6.5" x 4.25" with blank, undamaged back.