Russians in modern Shanghai (1931)
Russians in modern Shanghai. Cover of the almanac “Our Times” (1931). In Amir Khisamutdinov, Russian Emigre Impressions of China (2018).
This satirical almanac shows the evolution of China Russians over the course of ten years, in 1921-1931. From bearded, old-fashioned, prudish, slovenly country folk they transform into perfectly adequate citizens of modern Shanghai: cleanly shaven, youthful, fit, fashionably combed and dressed, experts at foxtrot, cunning in business.
"Then and now."
"This is the same Uncle Klim, except he finally got a good shave in Shanghai."
"Nastya has always despised these men."
"1921 in Harbin; 1931 in Shanghai."
"Uncle Mockey could not get used to Shanghai for a long time - until he started managing the famous night cabaret Purple Bird."
"Once upon a time there lived an old man with his old wife... until in Shanghai they changed into a young lad and a lass."
"Incredible how youthful our Akulina Petrovna looks now."