On the 5th of this month the New York Public Library released some hundred thousand digitized public domain images online, among which are a number of photos from early 20th century China.
The following were originally black and white pics — now digitally colorized for your viewing pleasure — taken by European publishers, intended to be sold as postcards. Regrettably, the specific context and precise dates of the photos have been lost, so the original titles and approximate time periods will have to suffice.
“Barber in the Streets, Shanghai,” 1907-1918, Young Photo Co.
“Hong Kew Market, Shanghai,” 1907-1918, Young Photo Co.
“Life on a Sampan,” 1904, Hong Kong Pictorial Postcard Co.