Collection Guide
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Asian photograph collection, circa 1870-1941
MSS.PHOTO.0397
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Asian photograph collection, circa 1870-1954
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.PHOTO.0397
Identifier/Call Number: 3457
Physical Description:
6 Linear Feet
(13 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1870-1954
Abstract: Collection of photographs, mostly from Meiji-era Japan, with a few albums depicting China, Hong Kong and other East Asian
countries from around the same time.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Majority purchased from Jerrold G. Stanoff / Rare Oriental Book Company, 1984. Some items added later, including three photo
albums transferred from the Julian C. Wright collection (M0722).
[identification of item], Asian Photograph Collection (MSS PHOTO 0397). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives,
Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Collection of published and unpublished photographs, mostly from Meiji-era Japan with a few albums depicting China, Hong Kong
and other Asian locales. The majority were purchased together from a dealer in 1984 with a few items added later. Most take
the form of albums, although there are also stereoviews and a set of cabinet cards. Many photographs are hand-colored.
These images were created and marketed for western consumption, focusing particularly on Japanese culture and customs, as
well as scenery (temples, gardens, streetscapes) and portraiture. Other themes include feminine domesticity, agricultural
labor and industry (silk, tobacco). While very few photographers are credited, there are confirmed works by Kusakabe Kimbei,
Uchida Kuichi, T. Enami, Ogawa Kazumasa, Kozaburo Tamamura, and Adolfo Farsari.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns. Most of
these materials are believed to be in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Japan -- History -- 19th century -- Pictorial works
Japan -- History -- 20th century -- Pictorial works
China -- History -- 19th century -- Pictorial works
China -- History -- 20th century -- Pictorial works
Japan -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Pictorial works
Souvenirs (Keepsakes)