Untitled 19th-20th century

This 19th-20th century albumen print, titled *Untitled*, is a striking example of Japanese photography from the Meiji period. The photograph depicts a young woman, likely a maid or servant, dressed in traditional clothing with a white head covering. She holds a tray with a steaming pot and a teapot, suggesting she is a servant attending to household duties. The stark black and white tones and the woman's direct gaze contribute to the image's sense of realism and capture a moment in everyday life, providing a glimpse into Japanese society during this time. This anonymous photograph, now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, highlights the growing interest in documenting life in Japan during the Meiji era.