Karamon, Iyeyasu c. 1887

Editor: This is Adolfo Farsari's photograph, "Karamon, Iyeyasu." It appears to be hand-colored, which gives it a unique feel. What can you tell me about the historical context of this work? Curator: Well, Farsari was fascinated by Japanese culture. This image reveals much about the Meiji era’s engagement with traditional architecture, serving both as a documentation and a romanticized view for Western consumers. What kind of cultural exchange does this photograph represent to you? Editor: I guess it shows the Western gaze on Japanese culture, filtered through Farsari's perspective, intended for his audience. I never thought about it that way! Curator: Exactly! It reveals the politics of imagery and the power of representation in shaping perceptions of Japan during that period.