Untitled (tea pouring) c. 1880s

Editor: This photograph, possibly by Kusakabe Kimbei, shows three women engaged in a tea ceremony. I find the setting very serene. What historical context might inform our understanding of this scene? Curator: These hand-colored albumen prints, popular souvenirs for Westerners in the late 19th century, often presented romanticized views of Japanese culture. How might the depicted ritual reflect or perhaps obscure the lived realities of women at the time? Editor: So, it's not necessarily a straightforward depiction of everyday life? Curator: Exactly. We should consider how the photographer, possibly catering to Western tastes, might have staged the scene. What choices were made regarding clothing, setting, and poses and how do they influence our interpretation of Japanese female identity? Editor: It makes me wonder about the agency of the women in the image. Curator: Precisely. By examining the power dynamics at play, we gain a more nuanced perspective, challenging stereotypical depictions of Japanese women and their roles in society. Editor: I see how considering these aspects gives the image a different context. Thanks!