Printed catalog of the Kimbei Studio in Yokohama, one of the leading commercial studios in Japan in the mid and late Meiji period. The catalog is divided by Costumes (mostly studio portraits and assemblages), and then by scenic regions. The catalog has extensive annotations in pencil and red ink.
Biographical / Historical:
Born to a family of textile merchants in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kusakabe Kimbei moved to Yokohama in 1859. Although unclear, Kusakabe apprenticed under either Felice Beato and/or Raimond von Stillfried. Kimbei managed a studio in Yokohama, first at Bentendori until 1881, then later at Honchodori. His photo studio catered primarily to visiting foreigners.
Henry and Nancy Rosin Collection of Early Photography of Japan. FSA.A1999.35. National Museum of Asian Art Archives. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Purchase and partial donation.