Large Format of Daimyo Residence in Tokyo Very scarce photo by Kusakabe Kimbei
[Japan] Superb photo by Kusakabe Kimbei (1841-1934) showing one of the last remaining daimyo (feudal lord) residences in Tokyo. There were over one hundred such residences in Tokyo that each of the major clans had and used when staying in Edo [Tokyo] during their required annual visits. Many of the residences were torn down from the time of the Meiji Restoration in 1868. In Vol. III No. XX (4 June, 1873) of the fortnightly periodical The Far East, a photo of the same building can be found and is described (see final two images) as being the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that the building was formerly the residence of the Kuroda clan. Titled, '688 PRINCE HOUSE, TOKIO' at lower right in negative, this is the first time we have seen this Kimbei image.
20.1 x 26.4cm. Kusakabe Kimbei. c1887.
In very good condition with only a hint of age wear. Mounted on thin card. p37011791
