Images of the last Samurai

[Richard Jones]

An interesting article in the ATG about Daniella Dangoor’s exhibition showing her private collection of early photographic prints entitled “The last Samurai”. The exhibition is part of the London Photograph Fair held at Kings College London on May 19th /20th.
I have seen some of these images before but the history adds another dimension, all the images are fascinating and catalogue the end of an era.

Richard

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Portrait of Colonel De Berckheim with assistant envoy Kawazu Sukekuni (1821-1868) and Kawada Hiromu (1835-1900) by the French photographer Nadar.
This image was taken in Paris in May 1864 of the second Shogunal Mission which was headed by Ikeda Nagaoki. The mission was an unsuccessful attempt to rescind the opening of certain Japanese ports to foreign trade. After being received by the Emperor Napoleon III, Ikeda and his entourage visited the photographic studio of Nadar.
Colonel De Berckheim was commander of the Horse Artillery of the French Imperial Guard and acted as the missions official escort.

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Portrait of an unidentified Samurai by Suzuki Shin Ichi circa 1873-76

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Kubota Sentaro in armour with retainers by Felice Beato circa 1864.
Kubota was commander of the Shogunal forces in Kanagawa and was respected for his openness to Western military ideas.

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Portrait of an unknown Samurai commander, circa 1870.

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Portrait of a Ronin taken in Yokohama by Shimooka Renjo circa 1867.

[John Wee Tom]

Thanks for sharing, Richard! Was there a catalogue published for the exhibition?

[Richard Jones]

Hi John,
Not sure, I’ll try and find out.
Richard

[Piers Dowding]

Many thanks for the links. I often get the feeling that Felice Beato would pile much random armour onto his subjects, in fact to him as a photographer, the more the better.

[Luc Taelman]

Seeing these pictures, can we say that most Japanese had lost their feeling for armor at the bakumatsu period? Or are the ‘models’ common people and not bushido-related?

[Piers Dowding]

Kubita Sentaro is named above, in 1864, so you would imagine that he at least would know, unless his retainers are dressed for fire fighting. (?)

[Aymeric Antien]

Thank you Richard for opening this article ... Beato of course .. even if sometimes it is a vision of Japan a bit too Western and postcard ... but it corresponds with a period of interest for Japan in Europe without precedent .. This will have a very important artistic repercussion on the European painting but also on many collections of museums .. a subject which can be a very instructive complement for our approach and understanding of the "Japanese world" at this time (seen from outside).
download/file.php?mode=view&id=2422

[Richard Jones]

John,
I’ve been in contact with Daniella and she will be publishing a pdf catalogue next week. It’s written by Sebastian Dobson, a leading authority on early photography in Japan so it should be full of really interesting information. I’ve asked if I can post a link here.

Richard

[John Wee Tom]

John,
I’ve been in contact with Daniella and she will be publishing a pdf catalogue next week. It’s written by Sebastian Dobson, a leading authority on early photography in Japan so it should be full of really interesting information. I’ve asked if I can post a link here.

Richard

Thanks Richard!

[Richard Jones]

Daniella has kindly forwarded the pdf of her exhibition catalogue. Some very poignant images supported by Sebastian Dobsons excellent descriptions. Please follow the link to view and download the catalogue.

http://docdro.id/63jStdz

Richard