Ah Yane, Chinawoman in San Francisco
SOLD June 2016 |
Lovely, large boudoir-size cabinet-card format albumen print of an elegantly attired Chinese woman, by San Francisco pioneer photographer Thomas Houseworth circa 1890. Imprinted front in black and gilt, "Thos. Houseworth / Cor. Fourth and Makret Streets, San Francisco" and on reverse "Star Gallery / thos. Houseworth / Market and Fourth Streets, San Francisco." Notated in period pencil on reverse "Ah Yane / Sept 20 '90". Overall dimensions of card 8.5 x 5.25 inches (21x13 cm).
In outstanding condition, this card elegantly depicts its sitter next to a small framed photograph of a second, european woman. The english-language inscription on reverse given the sitter's name and date may indicate the image was taken as a remembrance for someone of non-Chinese heritage, very possibly the woman shown in the photo posed beside Ah Yane, perhaps a mistress to whom she served as a waiting maid or household assistant, or other connection.
