This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/12/2023
[JAPAN]. KIMBEI, Kusakabe (1841-1932), photographer. A photograph album of 18 large hand-tinted albumen prints of Japanese monuments and architecture, circa 1880s.
Each, 8 x 10 ½”, mounted on cardstock, featuring 12 photographs of the Toshugu Shrine, and the remaining featuring views of the Avenue of Cedars, and row of Jizo Buddha statues in the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, mostly taken by the renowned Japanese photographer Kimbei, one of which is attributed to Ogawa Kazumasa; housed within a rare oblong 4to pictorial lacquer album reminiscent of Malta’s role in the Great War (light wear to spine ends). Kusakabe Kimbei was one of the most accomplished Japanese commercial photographers of his time. He excelled at depicting the vanishing age-old traditions of Japan, which appealed greatly to foreign customers. His work was collected by tourists and exported for sale as curiosities to those who could not visit Japan.