#Chineseness

Arnold Genthe CollectionArnoldGenthe@mastodon.ozioso.online
2026-01-08

Street corner in Chinatown, San Francisco between 1920 and 1942; from a photograph taken between 1920 and 1930.
Genthe, Arnold, 1869-1942
1 slide : lantern ; 4 x 5 in. or smaller.

#Chinatown #SanFrancisco #Arnold #Nee-Wang #Chinese #Chineseness #SanFranciscos #City&townlife #Streets #photography

loc.gov/item/2018704072/

This black and white photograph shows a street corner with several people gathered outside a store named "Nee-Wang," which appears to be in Chinatown, San Francisco. The architecture of the buildings is indicative of early 20th-century urban structures. Onlookers stand on the sidewalk, some leaning against each other while others hold onto their hats or luggage. One individual stands alone at the edge of the frame with a noticeable height difference compared to those around him. A man in an overcoat and hat appears more observant than his company as he looks off into the distance away from them.

The storefront displays Chinese characters, hinting that it is likely catering to both local residents or has been influenced by Chineseness of people residing here due to historical reasons. The absence of modern-day elements suggests this photo was taken between 1920 and 1942 during a period when San Francisco's Chinatown experienced significant development.

The overall atmosphere captured in the photograph conveys an everyday scene from urban life, evoking curiosity about what it might have been like to be part of that particular moment or era.
Tâi Siáu-káu 台痟狗 ㄊㄇㄉ 🇳🇫 台灣國TimMaddog@mstdn.social
2023-03-28

@fictionable @bookstodon
Manufactured #Chineseness… 🤦🏽‍♂️

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