Important Pair of Kanamaru Genzo Photo Albums with a total of 262 photos including only known photo of his Asakusa studio
[Japan] Unique pair of important, matching photo albums bound Japanese style containing a total of 262 albumen photos, including a large number that were almost certainly taken by the elusive photographer, Kanamaru Genzo (1832-1908). Especially exciting is an actual image of Kanamaru's Asakusa studio, which he opened in 1868. Kanamaru supposedly learned photography from Shima Tokoku (1827-70) but his photos are mysteriously difficult to find. There is also a photo of a Yokohama studio named Shinseido that also seems to be basically unknown. The albums also contain images of Ainu, women and children (including an interesting photo of a baby being washed after birth), photos of paintings of the Meiji emperor and empress, a Korean dignitary, teahouses and other outdoor scenes, tradesmen and other work scenes, and many more. One album contains 166 photos on 42 leaves (1 page unused), the other contains 96 photos on 24 leaves (the remaining 18 leaves unused). A wonderful, early pair of albums worthy of further study.
Provenance: The family of Alphonse Daudet. He was secretary to the Duc de Morny who owned an important collection of Japanese art to which Daudet had access. In 1866, he met Siebold, with whom he apparently spent many hours with admiring the objects he had brought back from Japan.
[Tokyo]. Kanamaru Genzo studio. c1873.
Each album 33.3 x 24.5cm. Each photo approx. 13.5 x 9cm.
In very good condition. Each albums's silk covering a bit worn and darkened. Small area of damage to cover of one album. Internally, photos are very good. Most pages with wrinkling and tissue interleaves darkened and some with tears or minor loss. p35021341
