Medium Format Photo of Kobe featured in early issue of The Far East
[Japan] This photo appeared in the April 17th, 1871 issue of The Far East where part of John Reddie Black's description of Kobe reads, '....It is the most spirited of all the open ports in Japan, and, although only three years old, already presents an appearance of enterprize and general well-doing which speaks highly for its citizens....' and, '....The settlement therefore will be the handsomest in Japan. Our contemporary, the Japan Mail, in its last number says "Kobe is surely the prettiest and best laid out settlement in the East, at all events there is nothing like it in China or Japan. I do not say that it possesses the beauty of Nagasaki, or the evidence of wealth in Shanghai. But its broad clean streets, ample footpaths, its pretty background of hills, the bright rippling waters of its bay, its neat and pleasing architecture are all novel and attractive."' This photo is one of the earliest known of Kobe and was taken just before the powerful typhoon of July, 1871 that killed around 700 people and caused a lot of damage.
Attributed to Michael Moser. 10.3 x 16.8cm. 1871.
In very good condition. Small white mark at center left. Otherwise very good. Unmounted. p37111997
