OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN, a photo blog of Japan in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods

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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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Art And Artifice: Japanese Photographs Of The Meiji Era • Sebastian Dobson, Anne Nishimura Morse, Frederic Sharf
Art And Artifice

A brief introduction to Meiji-era photographs and to the world in which they flourished. Three essays and dozens of images explore the social function of these photos, their remarkable artistry, and the personal stories of those who collected and preserved these images.


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1920s • Woman with Hand to Chin

Tags: Unknown • Taisho • Studio •
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Portrait of Japanese Woman in Kimono

A young Japanese woman in kimono and traditional hairstyle is holding her hand to her chin, a gesture often seen on photos, illustrations and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) from the Meiji and Taisho periods.

This postcard was published sometime after 1918. During the early 20th century, picture postcards of bijin (beautiful women) were extremely popular in Japan (see Woman with Rose).

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Map not available
Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Medium: Postcard
Image Number: 70206-0049
Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image
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<a href="http://oldphotosjapan.com/en/photos/88/woman-with-hand-to-chin">1920s • Woman with Hand to Chin</a>

A young Japanese woman in kimono and traditional hairstyle is holding her hand to her chin, a gesture often seen on photos, illustrations and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) from the Meiji and Taisho periods.

Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/60t.jpg
Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-03-12
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