Arbeiders in een theefabriek te Fuzhou c. 1890 - 1895

Hendrik Dunlop made this photograph of workers in a tea factory in Fuzhou with a camera at an unknown date. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography played a key role in shaping Western perceptions of China. This image offers a glimpse into the production of tea, a commodity deeply intertwined with global trade and colonial power dynamics. The architecture of the factory, with its rows of columns, suggests a space organized for mass production, while the workers, mostly dressed in traditional clothing, are seen handling large quantities of tea. Understanding this photograph requires considering the historical context of Western involvement in China, particularly the economic and political pressures exerted by foreign powers. Images like this one were often used to document and promote the expansion of Western commercial interests in China. To fully grasp the meaning of this photograph, we can consult historical archives and studies of colonial trade to gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic conditions that shaped its production.