Chinese Jewel Casket 1860

This photograph, "Chinese Jewel Casket," was taken by Roger Fenton. Its creation and reception was heavily shaped by the British Empire’s presence in Asia during the 19th century. Fenton, known for his war photography, here turns his lens to a still life arrangement of what are assumed to be orientalist objects. The objects, including what appears to be a jewel casket, beaded necklaces and embroidered textiles, invite us to consider the West’s fascination with the ‘exotic’ cultures of the East. In that sense, the photograph stages a scene of colonial desire. The photograph’s composition invites questions about authenticity and representation. The image presents a narrative steeped in the politics of empire and the uneven exchange of cultural objects. It also evokes a sense of mystery and allure, reflecting both the aesthetic tastes of the Victorian era and the complex power dynamics between East and West.