Photography in China: Science, Commerce and Communication

This book explores the impact of photography in China during its transition from imperial to republican government, focusing on its reception among various Chinese constituencies and its effects on science, social life, visual modernity, and the media. It redefines the boundaries of early modern Chinese visual culture by making photography the central concern and examines the Chinese priorities of photographic vision that are evident in surviving photographs and records. It will be of particular interest to scholars in art and visual culture, the history of photography, and Asian art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of photography on various Chinese constituencies, shedding light on its role within emerging discourses on science, its effects on social life, visual modernity, and the media during China's transition from imperial to republican governance. While traditional approaches to the study of early modern Chinese visual culture tend to overlook the significance of photography, this study pioneers a fresh perspective by placing photography at the center of its examination. By exploring the changing priorities of visual representation and its functions during a period of significant cultural and political transformation, this study redefines the boundaries of the field.

Drawing on a deep understanding of the early glamour of photography in diverse local contexts across China, this book offers a unique insight into the multifaceted roles it played in science, commerce, and communication. It goes beyond the familiar narratives of Western photographer-adventurers and delves into the Chinese priorities and perspectives that shaped the development of photography. By examining surviving photographs, technical manuals, and personal inscriptions, the book reveals the rich tapestry of photographic vision that emerged within Chinese society.

At the heart of this study lies the notion that local practices and local knowledge are essential in understanding the successful indigenization of a global medium like photography within the framework of Chinese society. By contextualizing photography within the specific terms and practices of Chinese society, the book offers a fresh perspective on the medium's global spread. This book will appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of art and visual culture, the history of photography, and Asian art, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between photography, culture, and society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032078991