[Japanese Woman in Traditional Dress Posing with Cat and Instrument] 1870s

This albumen print, taken in the 1870s by renowned photographer Suzuki Shin’ichi, showcases a Japanese woman in traditional dress. The woman, standing in a relaxed pose with a cat and a shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument) by her side, embodies a sense of grace and composure. The image, a product of the Meiji era, captures a moment of daily life in Japan during a period of rapid modernization. The photograph's intricate details, including the woman's finely embroidered kimono, the cat's playful gaze, and the shamisen's delicate craftsmanship, provide viewers with a glimpse into Japanese art and culture of the late 19th century.