Japanse lelie before 1895

This photographic print of a Japanese lily was made by Kazumasa Ogawa in the late 19th or early 20th century, using a collotype process. Unlike traditional photography that relies on a negative, collotype employs a glass plate coated with light-sensitive gelatin. This is exposed to a negative, hardened, then inked and printed. The resulting image is incredibly detailed, with a subtle, continuous tone. Ogawa was a pioneer, instrumental in bringing photographic printing techniques to Japan, and elevating photography to the status of art. His choice of the collotype process speaks to a desire for artistic control, as it allowed for meticulous manipulation of tone and texture, bridging the gap between photography and traditional printmaking. The labour-intensive nature of collotype also reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, setting it apart from the mass-produced photographs of his time. By focusing on the delicate details of the lily, Ogawa invites us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, while also reminding us of the artistry and skill involved in capturing it on paper.