K. Ogawa 1896 Illustrations of Japanese Life Antique Collotype Book

K. Ogawa's Masterful 1896 Illustrations of Japanese Life Experience the pinnacle of 19th-century Japanese photography through the expert eye of K. Ogawa, the renowned Tokyo publisher and Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society whose name graces this exceptional volume. This 1896 first edition, described by Professor S. Takashima of the Higher Commercial College, represents Ogawa's commitment to authentic documentation using the advanced collotype process that captured every detail without artistic alteration. Ogawa's studio in Tokyo produced some of the finest collotype prints of the Meiji period, and this book stands as a testament to his skill. Each of the dozens of hand-tinted images showcases everyday Japanese life with remarkable clarity and warmth. From the graceful geisha singing girl holding her fan to the playful Japanese babies sheltered under a decorative umbrella, Ogawa's lens reveals a nation in graceful transition. The collotype technique Ogawa championed delivers permanent, true-to-nature images that remain vibrant today. Professor Takashima's accompanying descriptions add scholarly depth, explaining customs like the ancient kamishimo ceremonial dress, the rhythmic movements of suwari-odori dancers, and the quiet dignity of Buddhist priests at prayer in ornate temples. In used-good condition, this large-format book features its original decorative cloth binding with the expected age-related fraying along the edges and some loose threads visible on the covers. Minor staining and age spots appear on a few pages, yet every collotype illustration remains sharp, complete, and full of rich color. The gold-flecked endpapers still gleam, adding elegance to this historical artifact. Whether displayed open on a library shelf or studied page by page, this volume offers an unparalleled window into 1896 Japan. Ogawa's dedication to quality shines through in every print, making this book a cornerstone for any serious collection of Asian photography or Meiji-era memorabilia. Its authenticity and craftsmanship set it apart as a true original from one of Japan's most respected early photographers. Owning this K. Ogawa publication connects you directly to the pioneering spirit of Japanese visual storytelling. The scenes of tea picking in misty fields, silk worm rearing in traditional settings, and family gatherings around the chanoyu ceremony capture moments that defined a culture. Professor Takashima's text provides context that deepens appreciation for each image, from the lively wrestling matches to the serene maple gardens at Takinogawa. This book is more than a collection of photographs; it is Ogawa's enduring legacy preserved in print. The careful reproduction process he oversaw ensures that modern viewers can appreciate the textures of kimonos, the expressions on faces, and the architectural details of temples exactly as they appeared over 125 years ago. For enthusiasts of Japanese history and photography, few items carry such direct provenance from a master like K. Ogawa. Condition specifics include light edge wear on some margins and slight loosening of the binding consistent with careful use over decades, yet the integrity of the 79 listed illustrations remains perfect. This is a book meant to be treasured and shared, reflecting the highest standards of its famous publisher.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Good — Antique 1896 book with significant wear to cloth binding and covers consistent with age. Interior pages and all collotype illustrations remain in very good condition with sharp detail and vibrant hand-tinting. Minor age-related spotting and edge wear present but does not affect usability or visual appeal. — Defects: Frayed and worn cloth covers with loose hanging threads and exposed areas on binding edges, minor staining and discoloration on some pages and endpapers, small edge creases and wear on a few page margins, gold flecking loss on endpapers, overall binding shows age-related loosening but remains intact with all pages present.

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.