Groep mensen tussen de Japanse sierkersen in Uenopark in Tokyo, Japan before 1897

This is a photograph by Kazumasa Ogawa, showing a crowd enjoying the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, Tokyo. Ogawa was a pioneer in photographic printing, and would likely have used a collotype process to create this image. Collotype is a complex technique, involving coating a glass plate with light-sensitive gelatin, exposing it to a negative, and then printing from the plate using a lithographic press. The process allows for a wide range of tones, and a velvety texture, which you can see in the soft focus of the cherry blossoms and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The labor involved in creating a collotype print was considerable, requiring skilled technicians and specialized equipment. Ogawa established his own printing company in Tokyo, and employed many workers to produce his photographs. The photographs were sold as luxury goods to wealthy tourists and collectors, offering a glimpse of Japanese culture and scenery. This photograph, therefore, reflects the intersection of art, commerce, and cultural exchange in late 19th-century Japan.