East Asian Photography catalogue online

http://www.rarebook.com/eastasianphotography.html
click for catalogue

We are back with a selection of a few items from the field of Japanese photography. As the Japanese were interested quite early on in the archival and then the artistic possibilities of photography, the collector may find worthy items dating from the 1860's to the present day. There are a few rarities within, but mostly a range of fun and interesting books expressive in yet another form of the Japanese aesthetic.

From the 19th century, among other items, there is a lovely album in beautiful condition and with perfect hand-coloring by the important photographer Kusakabe Kimbei. The prewar avant-garde is represented with an unusual photo book by the important artist Onchi Koshiro. The postwar era witnessed an enormous development of photography in Japan and we are presenting here a few representative examples of some interesting work - not the high spots which have exploded in value the last few years, rather works by lesser-known but intriguing artists or more modest works by the masters.

Photography is enormously enjoyable and we hope to be able to bring you more items on a regular basis.

Charles Vilnis