Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 570

Real Photo Postcard, Four Women in Chinese Dress, Bound Feet

Estimate: $25 - $50
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Four unidentified women stand outdoors before a whitewashed brick building in this real photo postcard, presented in the standard divided-back postcard format. The image reflects early twentieth-century photographic practice in China, consistent with the notation "30/02/11" visible on the reverse.

All four subjects wear long traditional Chinese robes, with the third figure from left dressed in a heavily quilted winter coat featuring a distinctive diagonal stitched pattern. Two figures wear small dark caps, one woman's hair is pinned close to the head, and the fourth wears a lighter cap. The third figure rests her weight on a short cane, and the small, compressed stance of the feet across all four subjects is consistent with the seller's notation regarding bound feet.

The practice of foot binding, common among Chinese women for centuries, was increasingly restricted during the early Republic period, and the presence of a cane suggests limited mobility consistent with the practice. The outdoor setting shows a brick doorway, a plastered wall, and a shuttered window behind the figures.

The reverse bears a red paper remnant obscuring much of the message area, with penciled notations reading "30/02/11," "3 of 3," and handwritten text including "Bound Feet" partially visible below the obstruction. A "Peace Postage" stamp box appears in the upper right corner.

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