Philipp Klier, Burmese couple, 1890's

A Glimpse into 19th-Century Burma Through the Lens of Phillip Klier (1890s)

Details:

•Historic fine art reproduction of a studio portrait by Philipp Klier (c. 1890s)

•Printed on archival-grade, museum-quality paper designed to last over 100 years

•Individually inspected and printed to order in the USA

•Ideal for historians, educators, cultural institutions, and collectors of global heritage photography

About the Artwork:

A Glimpse into 19th-Century Burma Through the Lens of Phillip Klier. This striking photograph, taken by the renowned German-born photographer Phillip Klier, offers a rare and intimate look into Burmese society during the late 19th century. Klier, known for his meticulous attention to detail and masterful composition, specialized in capturing the people, landscapes, and culture of colonial Burma (now Myanmar). His work, often published and admired in Europe, provided an invaluable visual record of Burmese life under British rule.

In this particular image, a young Burmese woman is seen elegantly smoking a traditional cheroot cigar, a cultural staple enjoyed by both men and women of the time. The subject sits with natural poise, her gaze calm yet confident, as Klier skillfully frames her within a simple yet evocative composition. His expert use of soft lighting enhances the delicate textures of her attire and facial features, lending a sense of realism and warmth to the image.

Dressed in traditional Burmese clothing, she wears a finely woven htamein—a long wrap-around skirt—paired with a fitted blouse, embodying the grace and sophistication of Burmese women in the 1890s. Her neatly styled hair, possibly adorned with subtle embellishments, further reflects the cultural aesthetics of the period. The cheroot she holds, thick and handmade, serves as both a personal and cultural emblem, illustrating a common social custom of the era.

Klier’s photography is not just about visual representation but storytelling. Through his lens, he documented a world in transition, balancing the enduring traditions of Burmese society with the subtle influences of colonial modernity. His images, such as this one, stand as timeless artifacts, preserving the everyday moments of a bygone era with remarkable clarity and artistry.