Drie vrouwen bij een blauweregen in bloei c. 1895 - 1905

Kōzaburō Tamamura made this albumen silver print around the turn of the 20th century. It depicts three women near wisteria blossoms. Tamamura was a pioneer in photography in Japan, opening his studio in the 1870s, a time of significant social and cultural change as Japan opened up to the West. This photo offers a window into the aesthetic values and social norms of the time. The image is staged, with the women posed, likely reflecting the studio's clientele. The presence of the wisteria, often associated with beauty, grace, and transience, adds another layer of meaning, possibly commenting on the fleeting nature of life and beauty. Understanding Tamamura's work requires considering the Meiji era's complex relationship with tradition and modernity. By consulting historical archives, and studies of Japanese photography we can explore the nuances of this image and gain a better insight into the society that produced it.