Catalogue of the Kimbei Photographic Studio 1880-1900

The Kimbei Studio in Yokohama was one of the leading commercial studios in Japan in the mid and late Meiji period. Help Freer-Sackler Archives transcribe this catalog--divided by Costumes from mostly studio portraits and assemblages, and then by scenic regions--and keep an eye for the extensive annotations in pencil and red ink within. Born to a family of textile merchants in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kusakabe Kimbei moved to Yokohama in 1859. Although unclear, Kusakabe apprenticed under either Felice Beato and/or Raimond von Stillfried. Kimbei managed a studio in Yokohama, first at Bentendori until 1881, then later at Honchodori. His photo studio catered primarily to visiting foreigners.