photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Two: Travel Incongruities > Mah Jong Game outside Xian, China, 2004
previous | next
22-JUN-2004

Mah Jong Game outside Xian, China, 2004

Our group was taken to a small village outside Xian that rarely sees tourists. Its narrow streets were lined with shops filled with goods designed for local, not tourist, consumption. I noticed the proprietors of this clothing shop playing Mah Jong while waiting for customers. A mannequin in the orange tee shirt waits for his turn. The mannequin looks more alive than some of the players, an incongruity that makes this photo so amusing.

Canon PowerShot G5
1/400s f/4.0 at 14.4mm full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
share
Phil Douglis21-Aug-2005 18:22
Thanks so much for noting what is perhaps the most obvious incongruity here -- the comparative state of dress. Not only is the mannequin wearing less than anyone else in the shot, but he wears only a shirt, and no pants.
Ramma 21-Aug-2005 09:02
Its so ironic, there are so many clothes displayed. clothes of all kinds, and all sizes, yet the Manequin is wearing just a Tee !!
Phil Douglis22-Dec-2004 06:32
Good eye again, Mikel. I agree. Not only is the mannequin the only figure with an illuminated face, but also the only figure standing here. The bright orange shirt is a bonus. These three factors are exactly what makes the only non-living member of this group incongruously look the most alive.
Guest 22-Dec-2004 00:27

That of the caption is exactly the impression that it gave me, probably because of all the subjects it is the only one with bright light in it's face that is looking forward and the orange tee shirt gives it a powerfull colur reclaim too together with it beeng the only standing up charecter.
Guest 01-Dec-2004 19:56
another fun photo. the manequin is really much alive! great shoot.
Phil Douglis07-Nov-2004 23:50
I guess you could say that, Nut!
nut 07-Nov-2004 17:18
This is the incongruous photograph in term of context.
"Active-Inactive"
Phil Douglis04-Nov-2004 04:01
You are right on, Nut!
nut 04-Nov-2004 03:36
Spirit of the real player is out of the game, nor the frame.

Who want to play the most is the one, who wear an orange t-shirt.
Phil Douglis03-Aug-2004 17:48
Unlike the young Anna, this child was not invited to play with these adults. (They are probably afraid that he, too, would win!)
Anna Yu03-Aug-2004 05:09
When I was a child the grown ups let me play mahjong now and then, when they needed a 4th hand. Heh I always won so they didn't let me play very often ;-)
Phil Douglis21-Jul-2004 23:48
Agreed -- the little fellow at left is the only one of the group looking at my camera -- and he can't see!
Wendy O21-Jul-2004 23:39
Great combination of "people"
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment