The AI-enhanced photographs presented here breathe new life into the iconic glass plate portraits captured by John Thomson during his travels in China from 1868 to 1872. Focusing on Chinese women of the Qing dynasty, these images reveal the beauty, cultural richness, and intricate fashion of a bygone era. By utilising advanced AI technology, these photographs restore vivid details of traditional garments, elaborate hairstyles, and accessories, bridging the historical and the modern.

John Thomson, a pioneering Scottish photographer and traveller, was among the first Western photographers to document life in East Asia. Born in Edinburgh in 1837, Thomson developed a passion for photography and exploration early in life. His travels spanned Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and China, where he captured stunning portraits and landscapes, making him a significant figure in the history of photography.