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Friday, October 12, 2012

Life at an Antique Market in Changsha, China

Near the historic Tianxin Ge (or Heart of Heaven Pavilion) in Changsha, Hunan province, is the Tianxinge Antique City, an indoor mall with many small shops selling antiques (or what look like antiques). On weekends and holidays, people selling antiques and other items cover its surroundings as well. When I visited, these areas were noticeably busier than the indoor mall.

Below are photos of the outdoor areas that provide a sense of the assorted items for sale, including vases, bracelets, necklaces, stones, musical instruments, Mao Zedong posters, paintings, and artillery shells. They also capture a number of everyday moments, each of which speaks volumes. Simply considering how people are sitting, how they are carrying something, or what they are engaged in can increase one's appreciation of them. Most outdoor areas may not have antiques for sale, but much of the life in these photos is easily found in a Chinese city such as Changsha.

various items on the ground for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

saxophone, trumpet, watches, and other items for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China


young girl reading an educational book outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

man carrying a box on a bamboo stick outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

a man sleeping next to his items for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

people examing items on the ground for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

man eating lunch while selling small stones outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

painting auction above the Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

man closely examining a vase outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

various items on the ground for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

women squatting while looking at items on the ground for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

men squatting while examining a sword for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

man sitting next to posters, many of Mao Zedong, for sale outside Tianxinge Antique City in Changsha, China

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