Miniature Art: The Opium Smoker

Another depiction of the worker's quarters in 1830s Singapore, this time of opium smoker. These workers are mainly immigrants from China.

A little history :Due to the growing British demand for Chinese tea during that period, and the Chinese refusal to accept payment other than silver bullion, the British sought to substitute another commodity for which China was not self sufficient to alleviate the silver drain, which was beginning to cause a burden on the British economy. Opium was sucessfully used by the British traders to replace silver in exchange for Chinese tea for a period of decades. Many Chinese became addicted to opium, wreaking havoc among much of China's population. In response, the Imperial Qin dynasty halted the import of opium, demanding silver be traded instead. This response led to the Opium Wars, the British not willing to replace the cheap opium with costly silver. The first opium war led to Britain seizing Hong Kong and to what the Chinese term the "century of shame".

Thanks for visiting & feedback. Taken indoor behind a glass case,

low lighting, table used as support, flash not allowed.

very nice shot..congrats.regards.

An interesting work , Very nice shot

Very nice document and introductory text. Very interesting. Bravo

I love your photos of these models and you have mastered the difficult lighting conditions very well.

Beautiful work and nice history, Cherlyn! Best regards, Ruud.

Otro bello trabajo tecnico, perfecta luz , color y belleza, gran encuadre y excelente composicion, saludos cordiales Cherlyn.

Well composed.

 

Regards...

Another well composed presentation .

 

~Regards~Satya~

Wonderful image, great idea :)

Excellent shot, lights and croping. Michael.

Interesting story. I am just coming back from a corner in Central Asia, where opium nowadays is a huge problem for the local people. There also, world politics may add to the problem. Karl

Well done. Regards.

very cool one - unique.

Extraordinary composition, such realistic light.

 

Regards

Cherlyn,thank you for bringing this in.Looks well in the angle you took,well represented,interesting history

Cherlyn, a beautifully captured image with great presence. The lighting and tone are masterful, and the history you provide enhances the photo. Denise.

Amnother very interesting picture of the workers' quarter. How well built and how well captured.

Interesting story. I like the colours in the shot.

Cherlyn, this is a fantastic photo! My compliments on a wonderful shot, a wonderful idea and the history lesson!-Best Regards, Marty

Almost lifelike Cherlyn. The colors are just right.

A very striking and unusual image. It has a dreaminess to it I can't put my finger on, but it's definitely there. Perhaps it's the paint-like quality to the image. It's great work. -David :)

Very good angle,colour and image.congrats.Y/A