Putting on the Obi or Girdle 1868

Felice Beato’s 1868 albumen print, "Putting on the Obi or Girdle," offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese attire. The image captures two women in the act of dressing. On the left, a woman holds a folded piece of fabric, likely a kimono, while the woman on the right is in the process of fastening her obi, a wide sash worn over the kimono. This photographic study provides a valuable document of Japanese customs and dress during a period of significant change in Japan. Beato, a renowned photographer of the 19th century, documented the culture and landscapes of Asia, and his work offers a unique perspective on the social and cultural transformations of the time.