Curio Shop
Photograph
Curio Shop
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
1863
Albumen silver print with applied color, printed ca. 1872
19.4 x 25.3 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0018
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
CURIO SHOP.
NOTHING attracts a stranger so readily as the sight of a Japanese Curio Shop. The ingenuity and cleverness displayed in the manufacture of the exquisite little articles of ivory carvings, cabinets, laquered-ware, bamboo and straw work, paper, crockery, eggs-shell china, &c., are admirable.
The laquered-ware of Japanese inlaid shell, mosaic with gold tracing, or plain, is of very fine quality,--far superior to that made in China,--is particular to the country, and is unequalled. Lacquered, wooden dishes, cups, &c., often of elegant design and workmanship, are used for refreshments,--tea, saki, and other hot things. After use they are washed with warm water and wiped dry; and thus the lustre is preserved for years. The prices asked for really old lacquer are almost fabulous.
Of ivory carvings there are some of superior workmanship but expensive. The bamboo work, however, such as cigar cases, &c., and the paper imitations of leather, are cheap; and for their peculiarity well worth purchasing.
CURIO SHOP.
NOTHING attracts a stranger so readily as the sight of a Japanese Curio Shop. The ingenuity and cleverness displayed in the manufacture of the exquisite little articles of ivory carvings, cabinets, laquered-ware, bamboo and straw work, paper, crockery, eggs-shell china, &c., are admirable.
The laquered-ware of Japanese inlaid shell, mosaic with gold tracing, or plain, is of very fine quality,--far superior to that made in China,--is particular to the country, and is unequalled. Lacquered, wooden dishes, cups, &c., often of elegant design and workmanship, are used for refreshments,--tea, saki, and other hot things. After use they are washed with warm water and wiped dry; and thus the lustre is preserved for years. The prices asked for really old lacquer are almost fabulous.
Of ivory carvings there are some of superior workmanship but expensive. The bamboo work, however, such as cigar cases, &c., and the paper imitations of leather, are cheap; and for their peculiarity well worth purchasing.
