American Photographer Milton M. Miller Captures Portraits of Women from the Qing Dynasty in China.
According to Economic Information, photographs by Milton M. Miller (1830-1899) frequently appear in auction markets. His works belong to an ancient group and showcase a high level of photography. Milton M. Miller was one of the finest portrait photographers in 19th-century China. In the photo, the wife of a first-rank official in Guangzhou is depicted, taken around 1861-1863.
This image shows a lady in Guangzhou. At that time, the wife of a first-rank official was referred to as “Gao Ming Fu Ren”. They held no real power but enjoyed privileges, such as being allowed to enter the palace during holidays and participate in banquets hosted by the Empress.
A woman in Shanghai.
Milton M. Miller was born in Connecticut. He initially worked in the jewelry business before moving to New York to study photography. In 1856, he began working as a photographer in a studio, later accompanying the studio’s owner to China. By 1861, Miller managed a photography studio in Guangzhou and also worked in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Portrait of a woman from Macau.
A lady in Guangzhou.
Wealthy women of the time often styled their hair in high buns, with puffed sides, and wore large earrings.
A man who served as an official in Guangdong and his wife.
A family of officials during the Qing Dynasty. Their daughters had their feet bound from a young age.
