Twee Japanse vrouwen die goederen op hun hoofd dragen c. 1895 - 1905

This colorized photograph by Kōzaburō Tamamura, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, captures two Japanese women carrying goods on their heads. It is made from a process called albumen print, which involves coating paper with egg whites to create a glossy surface for the photographic emulsion. This method, popular during that period, allowed for detailed and luminous images. The photograph's significance lies in its depiction of everyday labor and social context. The women's attire and posture reveal a physically demanding aspect of their lives, highlighting the economic realities of the time. By focusing on the material conditions of labor, Tamamura's work prompts us to consider the intersection of aesthetics and social commentary, blurring the lines between art and documentation. It invites us to recognize the inherent value and dignity of ordinary labor, challenging conventional notions of artistic subject matter.