Basic Information
The image, Hong Kong, Chinese Junk, was taken from approximately 1932 to 1937 in Hong Kong, China. Sourced from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Libraries’ Rare and Distinctive Collection, sub-collection: Early Photography of Asia Collection, sub-category: Boats and boating, this image was taken by Albert E. Kane.
About the Photographer
Albert E. Kane has a Ph.D. in international law from Columbia College Law School and attended many other universities, such as Michigan University and Harvard to learn Japanese and some French institutions. Following the events of Pearl Harbor, he joined the Navy; here he was promoted to a Litenuent and worked in the Naval Intelligence Unit in Washington D.C.. Kane was tasked with decoding intercepted messages from Japanese ships. Later, he worked for the Department of State and had various international positions.
Image Description and Interpretation
This is a black-and-white image of Chinese Junk in the harbor of Hong Kong around 1932-1937, approximately during the Second Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War. Pictured on the boat are two fishermen wearing the distinct conical Asian hat; one is holding a fishing pole thus indicating that they’re fishermen. Judging by how the photograph was taken, the ship is not far into the harbor as the image is very clear and near to the tiny ship. A possible counter-explanation is that the photographer was on another boat taking a picture of this Chinese junk. The ship could possibly be departing for a fishing session or returning back to the harbor for docking. The time of day is hard to determine as it’s only in black-and-white and the sky is limited. In the background are other small ships, that look to be the same-styled Chinese junk ships – too small to recognize their purpose in the harbor. Aside from these smaller vessels, in the harbor are pictured two larger steam-powered ships. One of the ships is larger in the photo and is side by side with another Chinese junk, showing the magnitude of these larger vessels and also the simplicity and scale of these fishermen’s Chinese junk. The backdrop of the photo is the city of Hong Kong, which shows how integrated the city was with the water. This is relevant in regard to typhoons and the city’s exposure.
Historical Context: Location
During the 1930s, China at the time was undergoing a couple of conflicts, notably the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. The Second Sino-Japanese War was from 1937 (the latest approximate year this photo was taken) to 1945 which overlaps with World War II. Hong Kong was at the time under British occupation with some Canadian forces also stationed there. As a harbor city, it was a strategic naval position for the Allied powers and China. It was situated on the southern coast of China and near the South China Sea; this area particularly is vital for trade and commerce. During WWII, Hong Kong was a central depot and supply line for the region’s resources, thus, a valuable military target. And so it was, as Japan initiated a surprise takeover of Hong Kong and would be in control of the harbor for the duration of WWII and the Sino-Japanese War.
Aside from war, Hong Kong’s harbor is geographically prone to typhoons. This was evident during The Great Hong Kong Typhoon of 1937. At the time, considered the largest hitting typhoon in the city, it rose the harbor’s sea levels by six feet. Two inches of rain fell every hour and winds of 149 mph were recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory which ironically, their high wind instruments broke due to these winds. 11,000 people died due to the severity of the storm, with many ocean liners torn apart such as Italy’s Conte Verde and Japan’s Asama Maru (16,975 tons). Sadly, most if not all of the smaller ships in the harbor were shredded such as fishermen’s junks and houseboats. Because of the narrowness of Lyemoon Pass and the Tolo Channel, the typhoon remained at these levels, however, it could have been worse if these entrances were larger.
Historical Context: Meaning and Significance
Chinese junks are iconic ships that date back to around the second century, originating in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. They’ve been used for a variety of reasons such as fishing, transportation, trade, and war. They are composed of lightweight wood materials, constructed with a flat bottom and sometimes bamboo masts. The build is meant to be quick on the water and be able to dock in shallow waters thanks to the flat bottom. Its masts had a unique combination of engineering. Before the sails were made with canvas, it was composed of woven grass that was dipped in tannins, water-soluble polyphenols, to strengthen the sheet. This gave the iconic crimson color found on some Chinese junks’ sails.
As masts were added and junks grew in size and popularity, the Song Dynasty of China utilized them more especially in international commerce. By the Ming Dynasty, junks were introduced into China’s navy under the leadership of Admiral Zheng He. Admiral He expanded the fleet to be 300-strong with upwards of 30,000 naval men under his grasp. With this, he voyaged with the fleet as far as India, Arabia, and Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, where they traded ivory and spices and founded diplomatic ties. The largest junk ever created was under the Ming Dynasty navy, the legendary Treasure Ship, measuring 400 feet long and 150 feet wide.
Sadly, with the successor of Admiral Zheng He, the fleet was decommissioned, burned, and crews disbanded ending a golden era of the Chinese naval presence. The perseverance of the junk, however, is owed to fishermen and pirates far from the imperial capital.
With the events of the Sino-Japanese War, many junks from large to small fishermen boats were used to transport troops and supplies. Some were even commandeered by the Chinese military.
Takeaways, Summaries, and Conclusions
To China, the Chinese junk was an essential part of its military and international commerce historically. The junk is the basis of Hong Kong’s infrastructure – a strong international center of trade and position for China. Today, that is still a prevalent narrative to describe Hong Kong, as it is one of the most important international trading hubs due to its freedom in tax, capital, and business, and a highly efficient market.
With the topic of colonialism, Hong Kong was known to also be a British colony. Only gaining independence in 1977, the effects of colonialism are evident in Hong Kong’s history and economic growth. With British rule, Hong Kong enjoyed rapid development but suppression of civil liberties. This was later addressed after Hong Kong gained independence. Recently, however, Hong Kong’s freedom has been contested with increased control by the Chinese government. This topic has only been unraveling and shares many characteristics with the relationships with Tibet and China.
Works Cited
Gao, Sally. “A Brief History of the Chinese Junk.” Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, 16 Oct. 2016, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/hong-kong/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-chinese-junk/.
“Second Sino-Japanese War.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Sino-Japanese-War.
Watson, Brian. “The Great Hong Kong Typhoon of 1937.” British India Resources: Hong Kong Typhoon of 1937, Benjidog Historical Research Resources, https://www.benjidog.co.uk/bisn/Typhoon.php.
