The commercial development of Batavia under the Dutch created numerous opportunities for immigrants from China; who became a favored minority and helped to support Dutch colonial rule. While many Chinese immigrants and their descendants adopted Dutch lifestyles by the late 19th century; others continued to identify with China and maintained Chinese customs and traditional dress.

The photograph was taken by the studio of Woodbury & Page; which was established in 1857 by the British photographers Walter Bentley Woodbury and James Page. Pictures From History Woodbury & Page