[CHINA–CHANGCHUN, SHENYANG-FORMER MANCHURIA] Two Albums with 26 Photos. C.1955

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[CHINA–CHANGCHUN, SHENYANG-FORMER MANCHURIA] Two Albums with 26 Photos. C.1955:
$950.00

Eastern China Taken by a Russian Tourist, Documenting the 6th Anniversary Parade of the People's Republic of China in Changchun and Early Views of Beiling Park in Shenyang.Ca. 1955.

First album titled: “Chanchun’. 1e Oktyabrya” [i.e. Changchun. October 1st]. Oblong Octavo album (ca. 13,3x16,4 cm). 12 paper leaves. With 12 loose original gelatin silver photographs ca. 8,1x12,2 cm (3 ¼ x 4 ¾ in). All photos with pencil and typewritten captions (in Russian) on verso and the mounts, respectively. Original printed wrappers; a paper label with the compiler’s signature (in Chinese and Russian) mounted in the lower left corner. Small scuff of the paper on the front cover, traces of glue throughout, but overall a very good album with strong, interesting photos. Second album titled “Mukden. Severnaya grobnitsa” [i.e. Mukden. Northern Tomb]. Oblong Octavo album (ca. 13,2x16,4 cm). 14 paper leaves. With 14 loose original gelatin silver photographs ca. 8,2x12,2 cm (3 ¼ x 4 ¾ in). All photos with pencil and typewritten captions (in Russian) on verso and the mounts, respectively. Original printed wrappers; a small paper label with the compiler’s signature (in Chinese and Russian) inserted. Traces of glue throughout, but overall a very good album.

Historically important collection of two albums with rare original photographs taken by a Russian tourist in former Manchuria, showing early views of the grandiose Beiling Park in Shenyang and one of the earliest PRC (People’s Republic of China) parades in Changchun. Despite our extensive research, none of the photos have been found in online catalogs and digital libraries.

From the late 19th century, Changchun (former capital of Manchukuo) and Shenyang were key battlegrounds in the Japan-Soviet rivalry over Manchuria. With the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (1897-1902), Russian influence expanded, leading to the establishment of numerous Russian settlements across the region. After the end of Japanese occupation (1905-1945), the Soviet Union briefly seized Manchuria before withdrawing in 1946. In the 1950s, Soviet involvement continued through industrial projects, as both cities became key sites of Sino-Soviet cooperation.

As follows from the photographs, the compiler was a Russian tourist (possibly a military) who visited northEastern China with other Soviet “comrades” in 1955. They likely began their journey in Harbin, traveling to Changchun via the Chinese Eastern Railway before continuing to Shenyang by train. According to the extensive captions, the compiler possessed a deep knowledge of Manchuria, as well as a profound understanding of Chinese history and culture.

The first album features twelve heavily annotated, lively vernacular photos of the parade held in the Cultural Square in Changchun in October 1, 1955. The collection opens with close-up photos of the Geological Palace (interior), showing Chinese banners, a poster of Mao Zedong, the PRC Flag, and a crowd of joyful onlookers filling the tribunes. The other well-executed photos illustrate the parade’s procession, including orchestras of men and women marching with drums and instruments, dancers twirling ribbons and fans, female gymnasts expertly handling hoops, a lively lion dance, and a playful circus act on a bicycle. The collection closes with a striking scene of Chinese men holding figures of a fireball and dragon, reenacting a chase between the two.

The second album contains fourteen rare, heavily annotated original photographs of the Beiling park in Shenyang. The collection opens with well-executed early views of the Stone Archway and the Red Gate entrance to the park, followed by excellent images of animal sculptures on the Divine Road. The other images show Fuling Mausoleum, its entrance, a local rest house, and several vessels in the western Quong tomb, which, according to the captions, particularly intrigued the photographer.

Overall, historically important collection of rare early photographs of former Manchuria taken by a Russian tourist in the mid-1950s.

Globus Books is an independent San Francisco-based bookshop and a member of the American Booksellers Association and the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and has been in business since 1971. Globus Rare Books and Archives is the department within Globus Books that specializes in rare travel and exploration related items from around the world with an emphasis on the Americas, the Pacific and Russian explorers and travellers.

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