Japanse paviljoen op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1878 1878

Adolphe Block made this stereoscopic photograph of the Japanese pavilion at the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris. These world's fairs became important sites for the construction of national identities in an era of increasing global exchange. This image provides a glimpse into the politics of imagery and representation. The Japanese pavilion was a carefully curated display of artifacts meant to showcase Japan's rapid modernization under the Meiji Restoration, while also playing into Western expectations of exoticism. The pavilion became a stage upon which cultural narratives were negotiated and consumed. By studying archival materials like fair catalogues, visitor guides, and contemporary accounts, we can begin to unpack the complex web of social, economic, and political forces at play in shaping the reception and interpretation of this image. Understanding the context in which art is made allows us to see it as more than just a visual object but as a historical document.