Chinese woman, Beli Biauw Tjoan, probably of Semarang

Woodbury and Page. Indonesia, ca 1870
Albumen print. 22.5 x 15cm. Leiden University Library, 90669

Be Biauw Tjoan was a wealthy opium farmer who became the Chinese Majoor of Semarang in 1860. This woman may be Be's wife, Tan Ndjiang Nio, but her identity could not be confirmed. The lidded box to the woman's left is slightly ajar to reveal a row of betel leaves.