Mercantile Junks at Canton 1869

"Mercantile Junks at Canton" is a striking photograph by John Thomson, taken in 1869. The image depicts a group of Chinese junks, traditional wooden sailing ships, moored in a harbor, their masts and sails reaching towards the cloudy sky. The photograph provides a glimpse into the bustling trade routes of 19th century China and the important role these vessels played in its economy. Thomson's meticulous attention to detail captures the junks' intricate structure and the atmosphere of the harbor. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the photograph is a testament to the artistry of early photography and its power to document the world around us.