Japanse lelie before 1895

Kazumasa Ogawa created this phototype print of Japanese lilies. Ogawa was a prominent figure in the development of photography in Japan during the Meiji era, a period of rapid modernization and Westernization. This image of lilies is more than a simple botanical study; it reflects the complex interplay between Japanese tradition and Western influence. Lilies, often associated with purity and beauty, are carefully arranged, revealing Ogawa’s aesthetic sensibilities. This printmaking technique, which allowed for mass production, made photography accessible to a wider audience. Ogawa’s work often navigated the space between art and commerce, tradition and modernity. As you look at this image, consider the ways in which it captures a moment of cultural transition, and how Ogawa, as an artist, shaped and responded to the changing world around him.