1920s Portrait of a Stylish Couple in America

This historical photograph captures W. Koo and his wife between 1920 and 1925, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals during an intriguing period in American history. The image was created using a glass negative, a common photographic technique of the time, which allows us to see the details and nuance of their attire and surroundings. Glass negatives were widely used until the 1930s, and they often produced high-quality images that documented everyday life.

W. Koo was likely part of the Chinese American community, a group that experienced complex social dynamics in the early 20th century. During this period, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was still in effect, limiting immigration and citizenship rights for Chinese individuals. This photograph not only documents the personal lives of W. Koo and his wife, but it also hints at the broader historical context of immigration and identity in America at the time. Through images like this, we can start to piece together the stories of those who contributed to the fabric of American society during the roaring twenties.