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Photographic Collections


The Royal Asiatic Society has almost 100 different collections of photographs, containing several thousand images, dating back to the middle of the nineteenth century. The Society’s photographic collections are a valuable source of information about the cultural and physical heritage of many different parts of Asia. But they’re also useful for understanding the history of photography itself. These pages contain a small selection of the Society’s photographic holdings.

[Photo.86/2(072)] Captain R.V. Clifford in partial winter uniform, Gyantse

A photograph of Captain R.V. Clifford in partial winter uniform, Gyantse. A negative and one print. Part of a collection…


[Photo.86/2(073)] Gyantse Dzong, June 1939

A view of Gyantse Dzong in June 1939. Two copies. Part of a collection of 81 loose black and white…


[Photo.86/2(074)] Wooden boats on the Tsang Po at Chaksang, crossing the river to Lhasa, 1936

A photogpaph showing wooden boats on the Tsang Po at Chaksang, crossing the river to Lhasa. It was taken in…


[Photo.86/2(075)] Everest Expedition Passport held by two officials, 1938

A photograph showing Everest Expedition Passport held by two officials, the taller one being Sonaw, personal secretary to the Political…


[Photo.86/2(076)] Karola Pass (17,000ft), forty miles from Gyantse

A view of the Karola Pass (17,000ft), forty miles from Gyantse. Part of a collection of 81 loose black and…


[Photo.86/2(077)] The Regent Dalai Lama, Lhasa, 1937

The Regent Dalai Lama photographed in  Lhasa  in 1937. Part of a collection of 81 loose black and white photographs…


[Photo.86/2(078)] New Year dancers at the Potala, Lhasa, 1936

A photograph showing New Year dancers at the Potala, Lhasa, in 1936. Part of a collection of 81 loose black…


[Photo.86/2(079)] Horses in the Dalai Lama’s stables

Horses in the Dalai Lama’s stables. Part of a collection of 81 loose black and white photographs taken by Fleming…


[Photo.86/2(080)] Incarnations of the Head Lamas draped in scarves of honour, Drepong, Lhasa, 1938

Incarnations of the Head Lamas draped in scarves of honour, Drepong, Lhasa, 1938. Part of a collection of 81 loose…


[Photo.86/2(081)] ‘Malefactor at large in Lhasa – no prisons’

Mackenzie captioned this photograph, ‘Malefactor at large in Lhasa – no prisons’. Part of a collection of 81 loose black…