Twee onbekende Japanse meisjes in traditionele kleding c. 1890 - 1895

This photograph of two unknown Japanese girls in traditional clothing was taken by Kazumasa Ogawa. Ogawa's photogravure captures not just an image, but also the labor and artistry embedded within the kimonos. The standing figure’s garment, with its intricate floral pattern, speaks to the skilled traditions of textile design, weaving, and dyeing. The very making of such elaborate clothing was a specialized craft, indicative of a hierarchical society with a refined aesthetic sense. These textiles are heavy with cultural significance. These garments reflect the amount of work involved in the production process and are tied to wider social issues of labor, class, and consumption. The image also prompts us to consider the lives of the artisans who produced these garments and their place in society. Looking closely at the materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the full meaning of the photograph.