shows photos of Japan between the 1860s and 1930s. In 1854, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in more than 200 years. It set in motion a truly astounding transformation. As fate would have it, photography had just been invented. As the old country vanished and a new one was born, daring photographers took photos. Discover what life was like with their rare and precious photographs of old Japan.

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11/10/2008 (Monday)

Photography in Japan 1853-1912 • Terry Bennett

Terry Bennett has been researching 19th century Japanese photography for over 25 years. In this masterpiece he tells us the story of photography in Japan, using 350 rare images. All the known photographers are introduced with details that you will have trouble finding anywhere else. THE best book about early Japanese photography.

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« Yoshiwara Prostitutes • Japanese Footwear »

Tags: Unknown • Meiji • Tokyo • Prostitution • Women
Tools: e-card • map • license photo • license text • bookmark this

Prostitutes behind a window in the Yukaku (red light district) of Yoshiwara in Tokyo. Prostitutes from less expensive brothels were seated behind wooden latticed windows called harimise (張り見世). As a result of intense international pressure, putting prostitutes on display in harimise was prohibited in 1916. For more information on Yoshiwara, see Tokyo 1910s • Yoshiwara Prostitutes.

As it is unclear at which brothel this photo was shot, the Google Map below shows the location of the former entrance gate, the Omon (大門), located in current-day Senzoku 4-chome, Taito-ku (台東区千束4丁目).

Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Marukiya
Medium: Postcard
Image Number: 70710-0006
Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image

Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/156t.jpg

Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-06-15

« Yoshiwara Prostitutes • Japanese Footwear »

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