Miko c. 1887

Curator: This is Adolfo Farsari's "Miko," a hand-colored albumen print, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The symmetry is so striking; two women, posed identically on either side of the frame. Editor: It feels like stepping into a dream. Those soft hues, the delicate floral arrangements... there's a gentle stillness to it all. I can almost hear the rustle of silk. Curator: The composition, with the painted screen in the background, creates a layered effect, emphasizing the artifice of the image, while the direct gazes of the figures engage the viewer. Editor: The hand-coloring gives it such a unique texture, it really bridges the gap between photography and painting. You notice the small details like the red accents. Curator: Indeed. Farsari, an Italian expatriate in Japan, clearly understands the formal considerations of ethnographic portraiture, while also playing with the aesthetic conventions of Japanese art. Editor: I agree; I'm left wondering about the women, their lives, and the stories behind the ritual. It's more than just a photograph; it's a story waiting to unfold.