1948 Chinese Overseas Mutual Aid Society Photograph – Shantou Nanyang Association Singapore – Framed Xinhua Studio Diaspora Photo

FOR SALE ☞ 1948 Chinese Overseas Mutual Aid Society Photograph – Shantou Nanyang Association – Original Framed Xinhua Studio Print with Seal & Dedication

DESCRIPTION ☞
Rare and museum-worthy framed studio photograph of the Shantou Nanyang Overseas Chinese Mutual Aid Society (汕頭南洋華僑互助社), dated 1948/49.

This black-and-white image shows the society’s three-story building with its directors and leaders posed at the entrance. It was produced by Xinhua Photography Studio (中華新, 汕頭星光路 / Xingguang Road, Shantou), as confirmed by the studio imprint in the lower left corner.

Key details include:

Bold signboard: “Shantou Nanyang Overseas Chinese Mutual Aid Society.”

Dedication inscription: 郭來奎同志留念 (Presented to Comrade Guo Lai-Kui) – making this a personalized presentation piece.

Red seal (chop): Authentic society stamp in red ink.

Bottom inscription: Names of multiple board members and officers, preserved in blue characters.

Attire mix: Western suits and Chinese tunics, consistent with the late 1940s.

Studio mark: “Xinhua Studio, Xingguang Road, Shantou,” confirming the original photography house.

Provenance: Acquired in Singapore in the 1960s by a Canadian collector and preserved in its original frame since. These commemorative photographs were issued in very limited numbers and rarely survive intact with seal, dedication, and studio imprint all present.

This original 1948/49 presentation photograph from the Shantou Nanyang Overseas Chinese Mutual Aid Society is complete with seal, dedication, and Xinhua Studio imprint. Rarely surviving intact, pieces like this are preserved today in museum and university archives — making it a significant acquisition for collectors of Chinese diaspora history.

DIMENSIONS ☞
Frame: approx. 18" (45.5 cm) tall × 15.5" (39 cm) wide.

CONDITION ☞
Good vintage condition. Photograph remains sharp, inscriptions and seal are clear. Matting shows light discoloration and creasing consistent with age. Frame and cardboard backing appear original, with expected surface wear and distinct green pawprint marks (see photos). Whether the result of a rodent’s track or an intentional dab, it remains a curious survival detail that underscores the piece’s long journey through storerooms and private hands. Please see all photos for full details. Please see photos. Color may differ slightly in real life from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. Have a question about this item or want to see more photos? Send us a message & we’ll get back to you ASAP!

ABOUT US ☞ Front Street Antiques is located in downtown historic Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. We are a husband and wife team on the hunt for interesting items that inspire nostalgia and curiosity. As antique enthusiasts, we do our very best to describe any imperfections and quirks, as well as provide a general background on the item; however, we are not yet experts on every item in our store. If you have additional information about an item for us, please send us a message -- we are always grateful to learn more :)

PLEASE NOTE ☞ Item will be carefully packaged up and shipped within 3 business days of sale, often sooner. We combine shipping on multiple items -- please send us a message prior to purchase to give us a heads up & we will be happy to refund the difference upon shipping!

All our listings are considered collectible, retro/vintage (25+ years) or antique (100+ years) and are rarely brand new. The majority of our stock comes from auctions and private collections or estates. Items for sale may display some age related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture. Photos are included as part of the description. Due to the age and nature of our stock, all items are sold "as is" and final sale unless damaged in transit and covered by insurance.

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