An uncaptioned black and white portrait photograph of two Chinese men sat at a table or stand. On man sits behind the tabletop, holding a pen or caligraphy brush in his right and and a scroll in his left. He wears glasses, skullcap (guapi mao) and a traditional Chinese jacket. The table or stand has a sign or banner hanging over its front, facing the camera, with Chinese characters on it. Its top has a various objects, including a smaller sign and a pot filled with pens or brushes. A separate placard, consisting of rectangular sign on a length of wood, is propped up against a plinth on the left of the image. The other man is standing to the right of the image. He wears with tunic-like robe that covers most of his legs and traditional Chinese shoes. He has a shaved forehead and a braided pigtail (queue) that reaches down to his calves. He is facing the other man and has his left hand wresting on something on the tabletop. He may have a disfigurement, possibly scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Behind him, at the extreme right of the image, is a wooden stool. The scence has a plain background.

The various signs mention observing qi/chi (vital force) and telling fortunes using coins.The plain background, possibly a panel or screen, and the carefully-arranged scence suggests that photograph may have been taken in a commercial photography studio.