Ayame-san, a Japanese romance of the 23rd year of Meiji (1890) 1892

This is the title page of ‘Ayame-san, a Japanese romance of the 23rd year of Meiji (1890)’, published in London by Walter Scott. It exemplifies the Victorian era’s fascination with Japan and its culture, a trend known as Japonisme. The book's contents and publication details offer clues about the cultural exchange between Japan and the West during the Meiji era, a period of rapid modernization and westernization in Japan. Illustrated with photographs by W.K. Burton, a professor at the Imperial University of Japan, and reproduced by K. Ogawa, it represents a collaborative effort. The book's existence reflects the growing market for exotic narratives and images of foreign lands in Europe. Further research into Victorian publishing practices and the biographies of those involved in its production will provide a richer understanding of its historical significance. Examining the textual and visual content of the romance itself, promises insights into how Japan was perceived and represented by Western authors and audiences.