Striking carte de visite capturing a rare and candid moment: a mixed-race couple—an Anglo man and Japanese woman—seated together in a jinrikisha (rickshaw), posed in a studio setting with the Japanese puller standing barefoot and gripping the shafts. The man's casual embrace of the woman and her relaxed yet stoic gaze convey an unusual intimacy for the era, offering a compelling glimpse into cross-cultural relationships in Meiji Japan.
The reverse bears pencil notations, including names and the word “Kobe,” suggesting the photo was likely taken in or near that port city, which was a hub for Westerners in Japan. Japanese script on the back may identify the rickshaw puller (前田五郎 / Maeda Gorō), with the initials "VIP" also written in English—perhaps referencing the status of the subjects or intended recipient.
CDVs of interracial couples in 19th-century Japan are exceedingly rare, and this image—combined with the studio's sharp execution and layered cultural context—is a standout survivor with both historical and anthropological significance.
Available payment options