TAI, Tuck.

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Panorama of the Shanghai Bund. An early example of Tuck Tai's famous Shanghai Bund panorama, showing the old customs house (a repurposed temple) between the grandiose buildings of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank. The majority of Tuck Tai panoramas post-date 1893, the year in which the temple was demolished and replaced with a western-style building. This example was issued by Tai's studio with additional photographs on the verso.While little is known about Tuck Tai himself, he set the standard for photography in late 19th-century Shanghai, and his panoramas were expensive, but desirable, souvenirs and gifts. The eight panels of this example show the following views and features:Panel 1: looking south towards the Chinese city.Panel 2: the Quai de Wampoo.Panel 3: the end of the French Settlement and the beginning of the British settlement. The majestic Shanghai Club building (torn down in in 1909) appears in the centre, and also visible is the time ball, which was erected in 1884. In the distance is the steeple of St Joseph's Catholic Church. The paddle steamer Ichang is moored in the river.Panel 4: the central portion of the Bund, showing the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank buildings, as well as the customs house.Panel 5: the large Jardine, Matheson building in front of a water tower, as well as the manicured waterfront. In the foreground is the River Police Station.Panel 6: the British consulate on the far left, the

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