Gezicht op de Yomeimon, de poort naar de Nikko Toshogu in Nikko c. 1895 - 1905

This hand-colored albumen print of the Yomeimon Gate in Nikko was made by Kōzaburō Tamamura sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The albumen process, popular during this time, involved coating paper with egg white to create a glossy surface for the photographic emulsion, which was then hand-colored. The meticulous hand-coloring transforms a documentary photograph into a work of art. The Yomeimon Gate itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. The photograph captures the gate's grandeur, but also hints at the labor and skill required to produce both the gate and the print. Tamamura was one of many Japanese photographers who catered to the Western market, producing images of Japan's landmarks and cultural treasures. The act of photographing and hand-coloring became a way of preserving and sharing cultural heritage. The photograph becomes more than just an image, it embodies social context and artistic value.