[Two Japanese Women Posing with Fans] 1870s

Suzuki Shin'ichi created this albumen silver print titled "Two Japanese Women Posing with Fans" sometime in the late 19th century. It's a staged photograph, most likely taken in a studio, showing two women in what was thought to be a traditional domestic setting. The image creates meaning through cultural references to Japanese art and life, such as the folding screen and the tea set. During this period, Japan opened up to the West, which led to new economic and cultural exchanges. Photography studios emerged catering to foreigners eager to capture what they saw as authentic Japanese culture. Such images provided a romanticized view, often omitting the social realities and complexities of the time. Historians use a range of resources, including period accounts, trade records, and other visual materials, to get a better understanding of the context in which photographs like this were made and received. This helps us understand how cultural exchange shapes our understanding of different countries.