Woman with Bonsai, Japan, Ambrotype, c. 1885

Lovely portrait of a Japanese woman posing with a bonsai tree. Ambrotypes in Japan were taken by Japanese photographers for a Japanese clientele. They are presented in kiri wood boxes, which are excellent for preserving the image.
 
Japanese photographers were able to configure the image directly as a positive. First, a dark background was painted or inserted in the bottom of the box. Then, using small wedges to prevent movement, the ambrotype was placed emulsion-side down into the box, and the edges were covered with a kiri-wood overmat. The image was now faced in the right direction, and the need for a second sheet of glass was eliminated, reducing time and materials costs.
 
Ambrotype in kiri-wood box without top.
Format: Ambrotype
Size: 1/6 Plate
Condition: Very Good