Old Asia Photography

Articles/Research

Stereoview Series Ref: SHIMOOKA-RENJO
Author: Terry Bennett & Rob Oechsle
​The earliest commercial photographs of  Japan appeared in stereographic form when photographic and scientific instruments manufacturer, Negretti and Zambra of London, started publishing Pierre Rossier's work in April 1860. Other early stereographic series appeared throughout the 1860s, ... <more>

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Pioneer Photographer in Japan Ref: GULICK
Author: Terry Bennett
​New research has added another name to the list of early photographers in Yokohama and Tokyo. Furthermore, it seems quite possible that the little-known John Gulick gave photographic instruction to Shimooka Renjo.​

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Pioneer Photographer in Asia Ref: ROSSIER
Author: Terry Bennett
​UPDATED! This is a major update to the original article written in 2004. A significant amount of new data and information have been included.​​​​​​​

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First Japanese to be Photographed Ref: DAGUERREOTYPE
Author: Terry Bennett & Sebastian Dobson
​Taken in California at least two years before Commodore Perry's historic mission opened Japan to the outside world, this is the first known photograph of a Japanese subject.​

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Ref: GORDES-FJ
Author: Terry Bennett
​A recent interesting discovery in the field of early Japanese photography is the role played by the previously unknown French photo studio, Gordes & Co. The firm consisted of two brothers, Henri and Auguste, and although they seem to have kept a relatively low profile they played a sign ... <more>

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