Tempelcomplex in Shiba, Tokyo, Japan before 1903

Kusakabe Kimbei made this photograph of the Tempelcomplex in Shiba, Tokyo. It's a hand-coloured albumen print. The tonality is just lovely. There's an overall softness to the coloring. It feels like it's been gently coaxed into existence, rather than boldly declared. Look closely at the way the light filters through the trees, creating these soft, almost dreamy patches of color. The way the steps are painted and the lighting on the temple is almost like a stage set! There's a real material presence to this picture. A lovely surface! In a way, it reminds me of the work of Gerhard Richter, he had the same softness in some of his landscape paintings. Like Gerhard, Kusakabe coaxes the image. The softness embraces multiple interpretations. It makes you wonder what else could be there.