[Two Japanese Women in Traditional Dress with Fan and Screen] 1870s

Suzuki Shin'ichi created this hand-colored albumen print of two women in traditional dress at an unknown date. It presents a glimpse into Japanese culture during a period of rapid modernization and engagement with the West. This carefully staged photograph creates meaning through visual codes associated with Japanese identity. The kimonos, fans, and screen evoke a sense of traditional elegance. However, photography itself was a Western import, embraced by Japan as a tool for documenting and presenting itself to the world. The late 19th century was a time of significant social and political change in Japan, following the Meiji Restoration. As Japan opened its doors to foreign influence, there was a growing interest in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. Images like this one played a role in shaping perceptions of Japanese identity, both at home and abroad. By studying photographs, prints, and other visual materials from this era, along with historical documents and accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and cultural representation in Meiji-era Japan. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it was made and viewed.