“Famous Flower 1932″ (上海花后1932)

1930s Shanghai could not have been the Whore of the Orient without, well, whores of the Orient. The Famous Flowers, however, were more than just paid sex partners. They were celebrated not just for their beauty, but also their grace, dancing skills and vocal talents. island6 pays tribute to these plucky lasses who strove to survive in a harsh and frequently dangerous world.

Among the luscious lovelies of the 1930s Shanghai’s streets, the Famous Flowers were recognized as the most beautiful maidens, available only for a handsome price. Also known as the Sing Song girls, these beauties would sing for their lovers, hoping they would be taken on as concubines – jewels and all fully endorsed. They became such an institution, a foreigner-dedicated magazine would allow readers to vote for their favorite Famous Flower. The most popular would be awarded the coveted honor of gracing the cover of the magazine for a very special edition. The lucky Flower would then be propelled to the status of a local celebrity… until the next year, when it’d be back to the cabaret stage for her.

Blurb credit: Jack Mur

For other credits, info, high-res photos/ video, click here to see this on our website.