Two Young Samurai of the Boshin War
Maker
Hitomi Studio
(Japanese)
CultureJapanese
Dateca. 1867
MediumAmbrotype
DimensionsOverall: 4 x 3 in. (10.2 x 7.6 cm)
InscribedStamp on inside of case lid, lower left corner gives a Kyoto address, inside a temple, and the name of the photo studio "Hitomi."
Credit LineMuseum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank
Object number2004.14.2
Collections
Not on view
DescriptionAmbrotype in Original Kirri Wood Case. These "reformed Samurai" of the Boshin War fought for the pro-reform Meiji government. They fought against clans who were anti-reform/pro shogunate. Such soldiers can be seen as icons of Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern one. This is a very rare photograph. The pose of the soldiers is also unusual. Both soldiers hold their swords drawn and at a diagonal across their left shoulders. Both wear Western style uniforms and wear top knots.Label TextHitomi Studio Japanese Two Young Samurai of the Boshin War, ca. 1867 Ambrotype (glass plate photograph) Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank 2004.14.2 Exhibition History"Photographic Histories," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, May 10 - August 17, 2014.
Alexander Gardner
1862
