The collection consists of nine studio portraits of unidentifed persons. Included are three portraits of court officials, two of scholars, and four of women. In the lone full-sheet portrait, an older gentleman wears an egret badge, identifiing him as an official of the sixth rank. The remainder of the portraits are smaller, uncut sheets containing portraits of two officials, two scholars, and four women respectively. All but one of these portraits were taken in the same studio as indicated by the props, especially the round table and ornately carved vase that reappear with the different figures. The portraits of the scholars contain additional props that provide visual clues to their status. The younger scholar, whose cheek appears to be tattooed, is seated next to the aforementioned table upon which, in addition to the carved vase noted above, are two thick western-style books stacked on top of each other, and an ornate mirror stand. On the wall behind him hang a group of calligraphic inscriptions comprised of a circular piece flanked by two long scrolls and topped by a fan-shaped piece. The second, somewhat older and more richly dressed scholar, lounges in an ornately carved chair next to a similarly ornate square table upon which are various items, including a covered bowl, an opium pipe, and a western-style mantle clock. Three of the four women are depicted in the studio, while the fourth woman is seated outdoors in front of a large-leafed plant, holding a small infant in her lap. The jewelry and footwear of the women indicates that they may be members of a socio-linguistic group such as the Hakka, who lived in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
