Japans interieur met vijf Japanse meisjes c. 1888 - 1900

This stereoscopic card, titled 'Japan's Interior with Five Japanese Girls', was made by Sébah & Joaillier, using photographic processes. Stereoscopic cards like this one were a mass media of their day, allowing a form of virtual tourism. The technology involved a camera with two lenses, set apart at the same distance as the human eye. When viewed through a special device, the two images merged into one, creating a compelling illusion of three-dimensionality. In this instance, the scene of the five girls and the studio setting give the photograph an authenticity. This is enhanced through the natural light and the soft sepia tone that emphasizes the rich textures of the girl's traditional Japanese kimonos. Photography at this time was a hybrid of art, science, and industry. It involved the skilled labor of the photographer, the production of specialized equipment and materials, and the distribution of the final product to a wide audience. The making of this photograph embodies the convergence of global trade, cultural representation, and technological innovation of the late 19th century.