Any ideas where this is

anonymous-01
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Any ideas where this is

I wonder if anybody has any idea where this picture may have been taken. It is from the oldest part of my family pictures some of which will be appearing here shortly. It may not be Hong Kong but could be Mcaua or Canton. See other pictures.

Thanks

Date picture taken
1860s
Tags
NYK
Gallery
Undated

Comments

I can't read the middle two characters, but it seems to be the premises of a Japanese Company. I suspect the address is written on the right hand side but the picture resolution isn't quite defined enough.

Maybe T can help with the name?

I'm no expert but I would guess Macau. The style of verandha in the background is quite similar to stuff that can still be found there. There just isn't enough information from the environment to be able to say with any confidence though.

Best bet is to see if anyone can identify the company name, and perhaps it will reveal an associated address.

The dating can be considerably revised.

NYK was founded in late 1885. We have two Chinese children with their forehead shaved in the Qing dynasty style, so it's safe to say these ain't Japanese children and this photo is in China and likely before 1912.

The first NYK line to China began in 1886 - but to Tientsin from Nagasaki. Branch lines to Hong Kong and North China began from 1890. 

So at the most conservative we are looking at a photo from 1890 to 1912, assuming the above is a branch office of the NYK in China, and the Olsons had no particular links to Tientsin. Given the streaks on the walls it's been there a few years so 1895 onwards is not unreasonable. 

In addition I am not aware of NYK having branch offices in Canton or Macau. Hong Kong (or even Shanghai) are likely locations for the photo given the known movements of the Olsons.