American photographer Milton M. Miller captured portraits of many Qing Dynasty officials' wives in China .
According to Economic Information , Milton M. Miller's (1830-1899) photographs frequently appear on the auction market, his works belong to the group of old, high-level photographers. Milton M. Miller was the most outstanding portrait photographer in 19th century China. In the photo, the wife of a first-rank official in Guangzhou, taken around 1861-1863.
Picture of a lady in Guangzhou. At that time, the wives of first-rank officials were called "Cao Menh Phu Nhan". They had no real power but enjoyed special privileges, such as being allowed to enter the palace on holidays and festivals, and to attend banquets hosted by the queen in the harem.
A woman in Shanghai.
Milton M. Miller was born in Connecticut, initially in the jewelry business, then went to New York to study photography. In 1856, he worked as a photographer in a shop, and went to China with the shop owner to work. In 1861, Milton M. Miller managed a photography studio in Guangzhou. He also worked in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Portrait of Macau women.
A lady in Guangzhou.
Rich women at that time often wore their hair in a high bun, curled on both sides, and wore large earrings.
The mandarin in Guangdong and his wife.
Qing Dynasty official family. Their daughter had her feet bound from a young age.
