Classical Chinese Beauties – Book Review – By H. Roy Hudson – November 1951

This book is by Francis Wu, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and Fellow of the Photographic Society of America. It is published by the author at 2 Gloucester Arcade, Hong Kong.

Here is a book by a connoisseur for the connoisseur, with not a word – thank heavens – of “how to do it”. It consists of forty illustrations in photo-litho, measuring 13X10”. Of which four are in full color, from color diapositives. They are an unexceptionable choice from the prints that have graced the walls of major Exhibitions of the world in recent years, and show not only with the Author sets out to depict – young Chinese femininity – but also the infinite skill with which Mr. Francis Wu can evoke from his models the emotion he wishes to convey to the beholder.

Just to what extent the Author succeeds in portraying “classical” Chinese beauty – who am I to say? But that each work is most satisfying pictorial portrait is without question. This book – the first Chinese publication devote solely to portraiture of the youthful ladies of that country – could I feel, be even more distinguished by an ink of greater vivacity - a matter easily adjusted in the future reprints which will doubtless be demanded.

For those who wish to extend their knowledge of Chinese, the introduction and captions are in Chinese characters, as well as in English.

In short, a book of highly exotic works not to be missed by anyone interested in portraiture with the camera as the art medium.

Hidden Beauty By Francis Wu