Foochow Arsenal c. 1868

"Foochow Arsenal" is a photographic print by John Thomson, taken around 1868. This albumen print captures a panoramic view of the Foochow Arsenal, a shipbuilding facility in China. The image showcases a bustling industrial site with a variety of buildings, including a tall tower, nestled against a mountainous backdrop. Thomson, known for his ethnographic photography, used a crisp, detailed style to document the rapidly changing landscape of China during the 19th century, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the country's industrial development. The photograph is part of the renowned album "China and its People," which presents a valuable record of the country's social and cultural transformations.