Yamamoto-san is Meiji-era photographers. Little is known about Yamamoto-san and his studio. Most of what you see here was done in the 1870s-80s. Some researchers think he either gave up photography or died early.
Very often, his studio space became a “shop” depicting vendors of plants, fans, samisen, etc. Many of his images have a long board in the background, either covered in white paper or paper with a lattice design. These backgrounds seem to be heavily used, as you can see breaks or holes in the paper. Also, the tatami mats can sometimes be seen buckling up in the studio.
In many of his images, you can see the kanji for the name of his studio – 山茂堂 (Yamamoto Dou; Yamamoto Studio). And, often the camera is not level. A wabi-sabi master, for sure.
“Dry Goods Shop” by Yamamoto Ei’s Studio, Yokohama, 1870s-80s; printed for use in “Japan Described and Illustrated by the Japanese” in 1897
“Fan Shop” by Yamamoto Ei’s Studio, Yokohama, 1870s-80s; printed for use in “Japan Described and Illustrated by the Japanese” in 1897
“Maker and Seller of Samisens” by Yamamoto Ei’s Studio, Yokohama, 1870s-80s; printed for use in “Japan Described and Illustrated by the Japanese” in 1897
A Geisha Having Her Obi Tied, Yamamoto Ei’s Studio, Yokohama, 1870s-80s
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