spotlight
Smoking the Kiseru
Japanese potter and former Living National Treasure Sakaida Kakiemon XIV on smoking the kiseru.
spotlight
Studio 1880s
The Way of the Kiseru
A Japanese farmer holds a kiseru (煙管). The tiny pipe offered only two to three puffs, yet it reigned for over three centuries. It was embraced by all classes of Japanese society, even crossing gender boundaries.
Kobe 1906
"The New Year in Japan"
A young woman paints the face of a boy who lost in the card game of karuta. Photographer Teijiro Takagi photographed this scene in Kobe in 1906 (Meiji 39) for a photo book about Japanese New Year celebrations. This article reproduces his book.
Nagasaki 1865
Dejima Island
A rare early photograph of Dejima, the fan-shaped artificial island in Nagasaki. Dejima played a critical—but now largely forgotten—role in the opening of Japan to the outside world.
1890s
Selling Insect Musicians
A studio photo of maiko posing in front of the portable street stand of a singing insect vendor. Vendors sold a variety of insects changing with each season.
1900s
"The Ceremonies of a Japanese Marriage"
A Japanese bride arrives at the groom’s house. Photographer Teijiro Takagi published this scene in 1905 (Meiji 38) in a photo book about Japanese weddings, The Ceremonies of a Japanese Marriage. This article reproduces his book.