Forgotten Photos From Turn Of The Century Japan
April 16, 2024
Portrait of a Damsel Surrounded By Cherry Blossoms, Circa 1890
At the turn of the 19th century, Japan was at a crossroads of tradition and modernity, undergoing major changes in society while trying to keep deep-rooted cultural customs. In the midst of this changing landscape, elements such as kabuki performers, geishas, cherry blossoms, and musical instruments like the shamisen played significant roles in shaping the country's cultural identity. Kabuki performers dazzled audiences with their theatrical prowess, geishas mesmerized with their mastery of traditional arts such as dance and music, and musical instruments like the shamisen added a melodic backdrop to everyday life. Here are some turn-of-the-century photos from Japan that reflected the cultures and norms of life during that period.
National Museums in Berlin, Ethnological Museum
In the late 19th century, Japan experienced a cultural renaissance known as the Meiji Restoration, marking a period of modernization and Westernization. During this transformation, the imagery of women in kimonos surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms became a symbol of Japan's fusion of tradition and modernity.
These portraits, captured around the 1890s, display elegance and timeless beauty. The kimono, with its rich colors and patterns, symbolizes Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. Paired with the backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom, the portraits show the delicacy of femininity. The women in these portraits show quiet grace while their clothes reflect the cultural traditions and values.
Grace, Elegance, and Beauty Combined: A Geisha Performance
During the late 19th century in Japan, geishas were entertainers known for their mastery of traditional arts, including dance. Around the 1890s, geisha performances mesmerized audiences with their grace, elegance, and attention to detail.
Accompanied by live shamisen music and percussions, geishas would enchant spectators with their movements, intricate gestures, and facial expressions. Each dance was carefully choreographed to tell a specific story or evoke a particular emotion, often drawing inspiration from classical literature, mythology, or seasonal themes.
Beyond mere entertainment, these geisha performances served as a cultural preservation effort, safeguarding traditional art forms. Through their performances, geishas upheld centuries-old traditions, ensuring that these art forms continued to thrive in a rapidly changing society. Moreover, geisha dance provided a glimpse into the refined world of the Japanese elite as geishas entertained patrons at exclusive tea houses and gatherings.
Challenging Gender Roles: A Japanese Woman Playing the Shamisen
The shamisen, with its cultural roots in kabuki theater and folk music, was an important part of Japanese society. Women who mastered the instrument demonstrated not only their technical skills but also a deep understanding of musical expression and storytelling.
In these portraits, women are often shown with precision and finesse, their fingers moving across the strings of the shamisen with effortless grace. Their performances were not only musical but also theatrical.
In addition, women playing the shamisen challenged traditional gender roles as it was previously considered taboo for women to perform publicly. However, during the Meiji period, societal attitudes began to shift, allowing women greater opportunities for artistic expression and cultural participation. Through their mastery of the shamisen, these women not only entertained audiences but also contributed to the preservation and evolution of Japanese musical traditions.
Hanami: Watching the Cherry Blossoms, Circa 1910
At the turn of the 19th century, cherry blossoms, known as "sakura," symbolized both the beauty and transience of life. The blossoming of cherry trees marked the arrival of spring and inspired various cultural practices that endure to this day.
The pink and white petals of cherry blossoms were everywhere, transforming parks, temples, and streets. This annual spectacle drew people from all walks of life to participate in "hanami," the tradition of flower viewing, where families and friends gathered beneath the blossoms to picnic, socialize, and appreciate the fleeting beauty of nature.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, cherry blossoms became deeply intertwined with Japanese identity and cultural values. They symbolized the passing seasons, reminding people of the impermanence of beauty and the importance of cherishing fleeting moments. This idea, along with the concept of "mono no aware," or the pathos of things, infused Japanese art, literature, and philosophy.
A Geisha Writes a Letter, Circa 1885
National Museums in Berlin
Handwritten letters written by geishas offered a window into a world of grace, eloquence, and cultural refinement. Around 1885, these letters were intimate expressions of emotion, friendship, and artistic appreciation, reflecting the unique role of geishas in Japanese society.
Geishas, highly trained in traditional arts such as calligraphy and poetry, approached letter writing with great care and attention to detail. Each stroke of the brush showed not only the message itself but also the writer's personality and artistic sensibility.
These letters often contained elegant prose, delicate brushwork, and embellishments, reflecting the aesthetic principles of Japanese art and literature. Geishas also decorated their letters with seasonal details, such as cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Even the paper they selected was important.
A Kabuki Performer Takes the Stage
Kabuki performers were an important part of Japanese society, entertaining audiences with their dramatic flair, costumes, and storytelling. Kabuki, a traditional form of Japanese theater with roots tracing back to the Edo period, flourished during this time.
Kabuki performers, known as "kabuki-ka," perfected their craft through training and apprenticeships, mastering a wide array of skills including acting, singing, and dance. Their performances brought to life tales of heroism, romance, and tragedy, often inspired by historical events, mythology, or popular literature.
One of the most striking features of kabuki performances circa 1890 was the elaborate and colorful costumes worn by performers. These costumes added a visual spectacle to the stage. Kabuki performers also possessed a unique ability to play a diverse range of characters, from noble samurai to cunning courtesans, through their expressive movements and dynamic voices. Their performances were more than just entertainment; they offered a deeper look into the human condition and societal values of the time.
Layers of Meaning: The Kimono
In the 1890s, the kimono was more than just a garment. It was a symbol of tradition, identity, and social status. For women, the kimono was also a way to express themselves and their culture. Each kimono was meticulously crafted with detailed designs and vibrant colors. There were kimonos for special occasions as well as less adorned ones for everyday wear. Kimonos reflected the wearer's age, marital status, and social standing.
Furthermore, the art of wearing the kimono, known as "kitsuke," was a skill passed down through generations, requiring precision and patience to achieve the desired silhouette and draping. Women decorated their kimonos with obi sashes, accessories, and hairstyling, creating an ensemble that showed off their taste and refinement.
Finding Peace Amongst the Lotus Flowers at Kamakara
Kamakura, known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes, became a cherished destination for those seeking solace, inspiration, and enlightenment. The lotus, with its delicate petals emerging from the murky depths of ponds and marshes, symbolized purity, resilience, and spiritual awakening in Japanese culture. The blooming lotus flowers at Kamakura created a peaceful escape.
Visitors to Kamakura were attracted to the lotus ponds, where they could contemplate the beauty of these sacred flowers and meditate nearby. Lotus flowers were also a common motif in Japanese art and literature, serving as a metaphor for the human journey toward enlightenment and transcendence.
A Portrait of Senior Official and His Wife, Circa 1870
National Museums in Berlin
In Japan circa 1870, senior officials played a crucial role in the country's political and social landscape during the Meiji period. These officials, often promoted from the samurai class or noble families, held significant power and influence within the government and bureaucracy, shaping policies and guiding Japan through a period of modernization and Westernization.
The status of a senior official's first wife during this time was deeply influenced by traditional societal norms and expectations. As a reflection of hierarchical structures, the first wife of a senior official occupied a position of respect and responsibility within the household. She was expected to be loyal and obedient. She was also obligated to support not only her husband but also the family's larger social network.
The first wife was responsible for managing domestic affairs, too, overseeing household finances and nurturing the family's reputation and connections within elite circles. Her demeanor and conduct were closely watched as they reflected not only upon her husband's status but also upon the family's honor and prestige. Despite the patriarchal nature of Japanese society at the time, some first wives of senior officials had quite a large influence behind the scenes, advising their husbands on matters of politics and diplomacy.
A Geisha Enjoys a Garden in Tokyo, 1885
National Museums in Berlin
Tokyo's gardens were places of tranquility and beauty, offering a serene escape from the bustling city streets. Geishas, known for their refined tastes and appreciation of aesthetics, visited the gardens frequently to relax or socialize.
Tokyo's gardens, such as Rikugi-en and Koishikawa Korakuen, were meticulously designed to mimic natural landscapes in miniature. They had meandering paths, gorgeously designed ponds, and beautiful pruned trees. These gardens were the perfect spot for geishas to unwind, stroll, or even meditate. Geishas often visited these gardens with clients, fellow geishas, or by themselves. Tokyo's gardens were also venues for public performances and cultural events, where geishas showcased their talents in dance, music, and storytelling.
