[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. A group of 12 Japanese ambrotypes, most housed in traditional kiri wood boxes, including:

3 x 4 1/4 in. ambrotype portrait of a grandmother, mother, and son. Ink inscription to lid interior is dated May 1898 [Meiji 31], and identifies the ages and names of the subjects: Aoi Mitsu (青井美津), age 57; Koshimune* Haruka** (越宗美和) age 33, Koshimune Taka/Takou (越宗田香), age 5. Some surface scratching and a few spots of loss. [Note: *the reading could alternatively be "Tsubaki"; **alternatvely: Mio or Biwa].

[With:] 3 1/8 x 4 1/4 in. ambrotype portrait of sisters. Housed in full kiri wood frame. Partially illegible inscription dating and identifying the subjects to lid interior. -- 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 in. ambrotype portrait of 3 children. Housed in full kiri wood case. -- Approx. 3 x 4 in. ambrotype portrait of a mother and son holding book. Housed in half kiri wood case. -- 2 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. ambrotype portrait of a father and young son. Housed in full kiri wood case. -- 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. ambrotype portrait of two men. Matted against black paper and white cardstock. -- 2 1/2 x 3 1/8 in. ambrotype portrait of a child sitting in a chair. (Significant deterioration and loss to image.) Matted against black paper with white cardstock. -- Together, 6 Japanese ambrotypes, condition generally very good, some surface scratching and a few spots of loss.

[Also with:] Five loose ambrotype plates, approx. 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. Includes two group portraits of 5 or more subjects, one being humorous, two with 2 subjects, and 1 single portrait of a man seated next to a pine. Significant image wear and loss to both plates. -- Together, 5 unhoused Japanese ambrotype plates.

19th-20th Century Historic Photography Collection of Dr. Joseph T. Pollock