Ogawa Kasumasa, Albumen Print Of A Japanese Geisha, Ca. 1890

Ogawa Kasumasa, Albumen Print Of A Japanese Geisha, Ca. 1890-photo-2

Ogawa Kasumasa, Albumen Print Of A Japanese Geisha, Ca. 1890-photo-3

Ogawa Kasumasa, Albumen Print Of A Japanese Geisha, Ca. 1890-photo-1

Ogawa Kasumasa, Albumen Print Of A Japanese Geisha, Ca. 1890

Artist: Ogawa Kazumasa (1860–1929)

A pioneer of printing in Japan, Ogawa Kazumasa opened a photographic studio in Tokyo in 1884.
In 1891, he was commissioned to photograph one hundred geishas for the inauguration of the Ryōunkaku, Japan’s first skyscraper. His work combines technical mastery with aesthetic sensibility, balancing modern documentation and an idealized vision of traditional Japanese culture.
This original albumen print, delicately enhanced with watercolor, depicts a geisha wearing a kimono with floral motifs.
In the background, a woodblock print of Mount Fuji set amid flowers reinforces the image of an idealized Japan.

Good condition, albumen print measuring 25 x 19 cm, mounted on cardboard, circa 1890

150 €