Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1491

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.33 linear feet (1 box)

Preferred Citation:

Japanese photograph album, circa 1900-1912, Ms. Coll. 1491, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

circa 1900-1912 (inclusive)

Form:

Photograph albums and Photographs

Abstract:

This photograph album contains images documenting Japanese culture and tradition, probably during the latter half of the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The forty-eight photographs are contained within a double-sided accordion fold album with decorated lacquer covers, which displays Kinko Sennin riding his carp (inlay for his head is missing) on the front and four insects on the back.

From 1868 to 1912, Japan was ruled by Emperor Mutsuhito, who was known as the Meiji Emperor. During this period of time (the Meiji Era), the country experienced significant industrialization and modernization, which in turn transformed the economic and social environments. According to Asia for Educators, "the most important feature of the Meiji period was Japan's struggle for recognition of its considerable achievement and for equality with Western nations," which may have resulted in efforts by the country to educate Western peoples about Japanese culture and traditions.

Sources:

Asia for Educators, Columbia University: The Meiji Restoration and Modernization (http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm), accessed 2022 October 11

This photograph album contains images documenting Japanese culture and tradition, probably during the latter half of the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Many of these photographs are captioned in English and appear to be educational. The images show landscapes, villages, buildings, and tourist attractions; people working; religious temples; and people performing day-to-day tasks. All the photographs appear quite formal and were almost certainly taken by a professional.

The forty-eight photographs are contained within a double-sided accordion fold album with decorated lacquer covers, which displays Kinko Sennin riding his carp (inlay for his head is missing) on the front and four insects on the back. The photographs are 8 x 10.5 inches and are hand-colored albumen prints. Many contain a typed caption in English that was taped to the album; however, a few contain captions in English that were clearly titled in the negative. The font of the typed caption is not consistent. Only four of the photographs are unidentified.

Titles of the photographs listed in the finding aid were taken directly from captions of the photographs in the album. Researchers should note that some spellings of cities are not the modern English spellings (for example, in the album: Tokio rather than Tokyo).