[Japanese Woman with Parasol] 1870s

Suzuki Shin'ichi's "Japanese Woman with Parasol" is a striking example of 19th-century Japanese photography, showcasing a woman in traditional attire holding a closed parasol. The photo, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, exemplifies the genre of portraiture, focusing on the subject's elegant posture and the intricate details of their clothing, such as the green kimono and the red obi. The subdued background adds to the sense of formality and reinforces the focus on the individual. This image is a captivating glimpse into Japanese fashion and societal norms during the Meiji period.