Ogawa Kazumasa (1860–1929) was a pioneering Japanese photographer, printer, and publisher who played a crucial role in the development of photography and photomechanical printing in Meiji-era Japan.
Born in Saitama Prefecture, he showed an early interest in photography. He studied English and photography, eventually traveling to the United States in 1882 to further his skills. In Boston, he studied portrait photography under notable photographers and also learned the advanced technique of collotype printing at the AlbertType Company. Collotype is a photomechanical process that allows for high-quality, ink-based reproduction of photographs, producing continuous tones without the use of halftone dots, making it excellent for fine art and detailed imagery.
Upon his return to Japan in 1884, Ogawa established a photographic studio in Tokyo in 1885, the 'Gyokujunkan,' and later a collotype printing business. He quickly became one of Japan's most respected photographers and printers. His work covered a wide range of subjects, including stunning landscapes of Japan, architectural studies of temples, shrines, and modern buildings, portraits of prominent figures (including the Imperial family), and scenes of Japanese life and customs. Many of his photographs were meticulously hand-colored by skilled artisans, adding a layer of beauty and realism that appealed to both Japanese and Western audiences.
Ogawa was an innovator and an entrepreneur. He was instrumental in popularizing photography in Japan and raising its status as an art form. He published numerous photograph albums and illustrated books, which were highly sought after both domestically and internationally. These publications often showcased the beauty of Japan and its cultural heritage, contributing to the burgeoning tourist industry and shaping Western perceptions of the country. Some of his famous publications include 'Famous Geishas of Japan', 'Scenes from the Chino-Japanese War' and 'Illustrations of Japanese Life.' He was a contemporary of other Meiji-era photographers but stood out due to his mastery of the collotype process and his business acumen.
He was also involved in early cinematography in Japan. Ogawa Kazumasa received numerous awards for his work both in Japan and at international expositions. He was appointed a member of the Imperial Art Commission (Teishitsu Gigeiin), a high honor recognizing his contributions to the arts.
His legacy is that of a visionary who successfully blended artistry with technical skill and business enterprise, significantly advancing the field of photography and printing in Japan and leaving behind an invaluable visual record of Meiji-era Japan's landscapes, culture, and transition into the modern world.
If you want to know more about the artist: Ogawa Kazumasa - Wikipedia
