Antique Glass Plate Photography ◆Two Kimono Ladies Size: 8.5×6×0.3 cm Weight: 30g ◆Kimono Men Size: 10.5×7.5×0.2 cm Weight: 30g ◆Kimono man in wooden box Size: 10×8×1.5 cm Weight: 50g Year: 明治十八年 (Meiji 18 , in 1885) Glass photography was the primary photographic technique of the 19th and early 20th centuries, recording photographic images on glass plates. This method involves applying a light-sensitive material to a glass plate and exposing it to light to take a photograph. Glass photography is of historical importance because it provided highly detailed images as a photographic technique of its time. Glass photography can maintain its quality for an amazingly long period of time if stored under the right conditions. Dry place - Appropriate temperature - Light shielding These three points are particularly important. Making glass photographs was expensive and limited to wealthy families at the time. They were found in a special wooden box. The material of the wooden box is paulownia "KIRI 桐", a high-grade material. There are letters written on them, but they are old and the letters are blurred and flowing, making them difficult to read.However, the date can be read. "明治十八年" It means " Meiji 18 ". The 18th year of Meiji was "1885" in the western calendar. The surface of the glass is scratched, but please understand that it is 140 years old.Overall,this is well preserved and clear. At this time in Japan, only people of very high status could afford expensive glass photographs, so there Kimono men and woman are also of high status. From Japan to overseas, packing is carefully done and shipping is done. Acquired from an old Japanese home, this is a very rare and valuable piece. Please take it in your hands and appreciate its artistic quality.