Philipp Klier, young Burmese woman, Rangoon, 1890's

Poise & Grace: Burmese Portrait by renowned photographer Philipp Klier (1890s)

Details:

• Historic fine art reproduction of an 1890s studio portrait by Philipp Klier
• Museum-quality archival paper and pigment ink, guaranteed to last 100+ years
• Printed to order in the USA, carefully inspected before shipping
• Ideal for collectors of vintage photography

About the Artwork

This elegant portrait, taken by famed German-Burmese photographer Philipp Klier in the 1890s, captures the serene confidence of a young Burmese woman during the British colonial era in Rangoon (now Yangon). Known for his sensitive and technically precise work, Klier’s photographs have become some of the most enduring visual records of 19th-century Burma.

The subject gazes thoughtfully to the side, wearing a traditional Burmese blouse (yinzi) that gently drapes over her shoulders. A flower is tucked into her impeccably styled hair, while a pair of pearl-like earrings adds a subtle note of formality and refinement. Her calm, poised expression is bathed in soft studio light — a hallmark of Klier’s compositional style.

This striking image is not only a beautiful portrait but also a piece of visual anthropology — preserving the grace, fashion, and spirit of a time when tradition and colonial influence coexisted in everyday life.

A rare gem for vintage portrait enthusiasts, Southeast Asian collectors, and those drawn to timeless, dignified beauty.