Antique 1893 Chang Woo Gow Chinese Giant...

Updated September 26, 2026

This auction ended on September 29, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Period Americana or current antiques & furniture auctions.
Lot number14
Estimate40.00 - 80.00 USD
CategoryAntiques & Furniture
AuctionSale 260929
DateSeptember 29, 2026 at 10:00 PM EDT
Auction housePeriod Americana
LocationBoston, Massachusetts

Memorial Photo Print E Day & Son 7x10. This scarce late 19th-century memorial photographic print depicts Zhan Shichai, world-renowned as "Chang Woo Gow, The Celebrated Chinese Giant" (c. 1840s–1893), holding a traditional opium or water pipe and clad in elaborate Qing dynasty embroidered robes. Published following his death in Bournemouth on November 5th, 1893, the print reproduces a photograph originally taken from life by E. Day & Son (9 Lansdowne Road) and includes printed Chinese characters representing Chang's signature, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of circus sideshow history, 19th-century human oddities, and early Asian-American/European cross-cultural ephemera. Originally photographed by E. Day & Son and reproduced c. 1890s, halftone print on paper stock mounted to backing card, marked with printed biographical text, studio credits, and signature characters, measures approximately 7 x 10.5 inches overall. Condition is Fair to Good given its age; displays noticeable age foxing/spotting throughout the paper margins, soft creasing along the right border edge, and a clipped auction catalog snippet glued to the lower margin, though the primary photographic portrait remains clear and fully legible; no major tears or severe paper loss observed. See photos for close-up details.

Antique 1893 Chang Woo Gow Chinese Giant...

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