New Year markets began in the early Qing dynasty (1644-1911), and were held from the first to the 15th of the first lunar month. At their busiest there were more than 1000 stalls. Going to the New Year market was an important pastime in Old Peking. The New Year markets ceased trading in 1964 but resumed in 2001.

This is one of a large number of photographs that were taken by Hedda Morrison (1908-1991) during her years of residence in Peking (Beijing), China 1933-1946.

Photograph, 'Old man at a Chinese New Year stall, Liulichang', black and white, silver gelatin print, by Hedda Morrison, Peking, China, 1933-1946.

The image shows a man in a brocade robe, vest and skull cap inspecting antiques at an open air stall. A tree stands behind him and the roof of a building can be seen in the background to the left.

Photographer: Morrison, Hedda; Beijing, China

Maker: unknown; 1933 - 1946

92/1414-290

339 mm

286 mm