This statue-like structure was displayed on a bustling pedestrian street in Changsha, China. This area was packed with tourists and locals enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The display interested me since it represented the way people viewed moving pictures in the early days. This device only allowed a single person at a time to view a short, silent film through a peephole. I believe that it was called a mutoscope (Please correct me if I am wrong!). It used a rotating drum of index-card-sized images that were hand-cranked to create the illusion of movement. The mutoscope became a successful coin-in-the-slot peep show business in the old times.
The image was taken by iphone, and minor enhancements using Snapseed. Your comments are highly appreciated.
7 comments posted
Jack Florence Jr
Interesting scene, Kieu-Hanh, I appreciate the info in your description, or I don't think I would have picked that up. The image invokes curiosity, it's unusual. Posted: 10/03/2025 22:31:19
Kieu-Hanh Vu
Hi Jack,
Thanks for your comments!
Without my description, what do you think that object could be? There is a plaque on the floor for the description and I tried to use Google translation for the 4 Chinese characters but not successful! My description is based on my research only! Posted: 10/10/2025 04:15:25
Steven Jungerwirth
Nice/sharp image. Your explanation helped me understand it! Without your explanation - I would have been curious - but not figured out what I was looking at. Regarding the composition - I think it would have been better to leave a bit more "breathing room" above the device. I like that the structure has similar color palette as the cobblestone street. Posted: 10/06/2025 16:08:16
Kieu-Hanh Vu
Thanks, Steven, for your comments! I have the same question to you as to Jack:
Without my description, what do you think that object could be? Posted: 10/10/2025 04:18:24
Steven Jungerwirth
Since you provided the explanation - not sure I can really answer what would I have thought it was if there was no explanation; can't "unsee" the explanation. I supposed that if I spent some time with the image I would have seen an older man turning a crank - and someone else (a younger person) - gazing into the device. I would have thought it was some kind of early moving picture . . . but as to which variety - I would not have known. I like images that make us think. Posted: 10/11/2025 17:24:01
Ruth Holt
Kieu-Hanh, Your images are always very interesting, and I always appreciate the information which you include. The colors, sharpness and composition are well done. The yellow color, is that from light reflecting on bronze? My guess is a large view master which is close to a slow moving picture peep show. Posted: 10/14/2025 15:25:19
Kieu-Hanh Vu
Thank you for the feedback, Ruth! Posted: 10/22/2025 17:35:05
