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 568

Real Photo Postcard, Two Women Sewing Outdoors, China

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
Two unidentified women seated outdoors on a woven mat occupy the foreground of this real photo postcard, produced in the standard divided-back format consistent with the 1907 to 1915 era. Both wear padded dark quilted jackets and small dark caps, and the bound feet of each subject are clearly visible at the edges of their seated positions. The photographer is unidentified, with no studio imprint present.

The woman on the left leans forward over a length of dark fabric spread across the mat, a spool of thread visible nearby, while the woman on the right sits cross-legged holding what appears to be a shuttle or bobbin with cord extended between her hands. A small black and white puppy rests between them at the center of the mat, and a low wooden chest and brick building with an open doorway occupy the background.

Foot binding, practiced in China for roughly a thousand years, was officially banned in 1912, making images that document the physical effects of the practice within everyday domestic settings significant as historical records. The informal outdoor setting and handiwork in progress suggest a candid domestic scene rather than a staged studio portrait.

The reverse bears penciled handwriting, partially legible, referencing Hankow, China, along with the notation 11/02/30 and the number 243 visible in the upper corners.

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