A seated Japanese umbrella maker works on a white paper parasol inside a studio arrangement filled with finished umbrellas, ribs, paper, and tools.

1870s–1890s · Hand-coloured albumen silver print

Umbrella Maker

Kusakabe Kimbei

Why it matters

The photograph preserves craft tools and process while its studio arrangement, colouring, and album-ready format turn contemporary work into a portable picture of customary Japan.

Publication
Commercial photographic study made in Japan
Holding institution
J. Paul Getty Museum
Shelfmark
84.XA.700.4.37
Rights
CC0; Getty Open Content

Citation

Kusakabe Kimbei. Umbrella Maker. 1870s–1890s. Hand-coloured albumen silver print. J. Paul Getty Museum, 84.XA.700.4.37.