Ping-pong, China before 1893

This is a photograph, printed in a book, by W. S. Emens of Shanghai. The image shows a canal scene, likely taken in the same region. The photographic process itself is key to understanding this image. Photography in the late 19th century was a relatively new technology, involving complex chemical processes to capture and develop images. The final print is the result of multiple stages of production, from capturing the image to printing and binding the book. This image also speaks to the social context of photography at the time, particularly the Western fascination with capturing images of distant lands and cultures, like China, for consumption in Europe and North America. This act of capturing and representing another culture through photography is tied to broader issues of colonialism, labor and politics. The amount of work involved in the production process is significant, highlighting the labor of both the photographer and the printers. Considering the materials, making, and context in which this photograph was produced is essential to fully understand its meaning and significance.