This book reproduces over 140 images taken between 1853 and 1905 by the most important local and foreign photographers then working in Japan. Almost one-fourth of the images are handcolored, superb examples of a rich art form long since vanished.

Important features of Early Japanese Images include a historical overview of the years 1853-1912; the story of early Western photographers in Japan; the story of early Japanese photographers; over 100 images reproduced in original sepia tones; over 40 images reproduced as originally handcolored; and an invaluable index that for the first time identifies the photographers of over 1,200 early photographs taken in Japan.