Mensen in een straat bij de berg Nunobiki bij Kobe c. 1870 - 1891

Editor: So, this photograph, "Mensen in een straat bij de berg Nunobiki bij Kobe," was taken by Kusakabe Kimbei sometime between 1870 and 1891. It feels a bit like stepping into a different world, almost theatrical in its presentation of Japanese life. What jumps out at you? Curator: I’m immediately struck by the presence, or perhaps better stated, the carefully constructed image of Japanese identity being presented. Notice the meticulous detail – the parasols, the traditional clothing – and how these visual elements weave a very particular narrative. Do you feel it too, the way the artist utilizes symbols to construct this exotic and timeless vision? Editor: I do see that, but is it authentic, or a performance for the camera, catering to Western tastes at the time? Curator: Ah, a critical question! Consider this image not just as a snapshot, but as a cultural artifact. The very act of staging such a photograph, particularly in that era of increasing Western influence, carries immense symbolic weight. It’s not about absolute authenticity, but rather about how the Japanese perceived themselves and how they wished to be perceived. Note how carefully positioned figures repeat and contrast to subtly control the eye. How might these formal devices affect meaning? Editor: That’s fascinating. It makes me think about how we build and maintain cultural identity through visuals, even today. It’s not about a true or false binary, but about layering meaning. Curator: Precisely! Each visual choice reinforces certain ideas, influencing how we remember and transmit culture. Thinking about it this way, a photograph like this becomes a powerful record of cultural negotiation. What do you think you will take away from looking at it? Editor: I see it's more complex than just a pretty scene, a reminder that images can be deliberate constructions of identity, carrying significant cultural baggage and communicating so much more. Thanks!