The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of November 4, 2026

A vertically oriented albumen print depicts a woman and man with light skin tones seated in an interior. On the left, a woman wears an elaborate headpiece with circular ornaments and curved feathers. To her right, a man wears a dark cap with wide, flat protrusions and garments featuring dense, face-like embroidery. A table stands between them as both figures look toward us.

Performers

c. 1870
photographer

attributed to Lai Fong (Afong Studio)

(Chinese, c. 1839–1890)
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Albumen print
Image: 22.9 x 17.6 cm (9 x 6 15/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 2026.72
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Lai Fong was the preeminent Chinese photographer of the 19th century.

Description

Lai was a talented photographer and shrewd businessman who operated a studio in Hong Kong called Afong Studio. He competed successfully with British and European competitors, perhaps because, as he advertised, his catalogue of views of China were “larger, choicer, and more complete…than any other in the Empire.” He provided an insider’s look at the modernization and other changes brought to China by trade and war with Western nations.
  • -October 8, 2026
    Stephan Loewentheil, New York, NY, sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art
    October 8, 2026-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Performers|url=false|author=Lai Fong (Afong Studio)|year=c. 1870|access-date=04 November 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2026.72