Untitled album

銀塩写真アルバム

The rise of the photo industry in Japan corresponded to the influx of Western tourists who began visiting the country during the Meiji period. While these albums initially functioned as souvenirs that foreign tourists would take back home with them, Meiji period albums eventually came to function as guidebooks. Soon after their arrival in Japan, many tourists would visit a photographer’s studio where they would order a photo album that established the itinerary for their trip. These albums commonly contained photographs of cityscapes, architectural landmarks, and gardens, as well as staged portraits and scenes of everyday life. Many of the photos were skillfully retouched with color. Several photographers may have taken the pictures included in this album.