U.S.S. Swatara at Capetown

Commander William T. Sampson sailed from Boston in 1879 as skipper of the U.S.S. Swatara. After crossing to Gibraltar the vessel continued to the Pacific via the Suez canal. Over the next two years ports in southeast Asia, Japan and Russia were visited. DDG 102, U.S.S. Sampson, will be commissioned in Boston November 3 to honor this dedicated U.S. naval office

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The master T. Enami took these photographs when only glass plates were used.

Enami’s exquisite composition, balance and choice of subject matter present us with the Japan of yesterday with its vivid simplicity and native beauty.

These rare photographs are printed from the original glass plates that were hand colored by Japanese artists commissioned by Enami.

Glass plate negatives from this period are extremely rare due to the ravages of earthquake, fire and war.

In order to preserve this historic art form Atlanta artist/photographer, Phillip Vullo used his talent and skill to painstakingly restore and enhance these photographs.

These photographs are produced in a limited edition and are printed on acid free one hundred year archival Somerset Velvet paper.

“The Cornely’s collection of 19th century Japanese photographs shows just how quickly the Japanese mastered the technical aspects of photography. Many of the photographs are filled with the same poignancy as traditional paintings and poetry. They reflect a time that was harder, but slower and perhaps more meaningful than our own world of fast paced sound bites. In that they are not only nostalgic but somewhat sad. I can’t get over how clear and fresh each photograph is. They look as if they were taken yesterday.”

John Stucky, Librarian, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco March 2005

A collection of thirty-six images may be viewed by clicking on “Scenes Of Meiji“. Choose a tab such as “Geisha” to view nine thumbnail subjects. A click on any thumbnail will display an enlarged scene which may be further enlarged by clicking on that scene.

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