Actors, Ancient Marriage Costume; Actors, Ancient Marriage Costume; Ancient Costumes c. 1868

John Thomson made these four albumen silver prints of actors in ancient marriage costumes while working in China. Thomson was one of the first photographers to document the people of China for Western audiences. These images capture the elaborate costumes and stylized poses of Chinese opera performers. The cross-dressing evident in these images complicates gender norms. Chinese opera traditionally featured male actors playing female roles, reflecting and shaping societal attitudes towards gender and performance. As Thomson documented the performances, he engaged with and interpreted Chinese culture through his Western lens, navigating the complexities of cultural exchange and representation. The expressions and gestures frozen in these stills evoke a rich tapestry of emotions, reflecting both the drama of the opera and the lived experiences of the actors who embodied these roles. They offer a glimpse into a world where identity is fluid and performative, where ancient traditions meet the gaze of a modernizing world.