A compact concertina photo album presenting studio portraits and court scenes of the late Qing imperial household, including the Empress Dowager and young emperor, printed in rich black-and-white on folded boards and cased in patterned brocade covers with a paper title slip. Likely produced in the early 1900s as a souvenir album, with printed captions and a pleasing, desk-friendly scale.

The concertina structure displays beautifully when opened out and folds neatly for shelf display. Condition is sound and very presentable with age-toning, rubbing to the cloth, light creases and handling marks to a few panels—honest wear that suits the piece. A superb slice of courtly image-making and a striking accent for a scholar’s desk, library vignette or chinoiserie wall.

11 x 16cm