Taishō–Shōwa kabuki stage photo archive (34 butai-shashin) Japan

A curated early 20th-century archive of 34 original Japanese kabuki stage photographs (butai-shashin), dating from the Taishō to early Shōwa period (approx. 1920s–1930s).
The set includes actor portraits, role studies, and scene compositions photographed on stage with period costuming and props. Sizes approx. 9 × 13 cm.

This is a single, complete collection offered as one lot.

Content
The photographs show actors in full costume, including warrior roles, formal male roles, onnagata performance types and stage scenes with props such as cherry blossoms, straw cloaks, and period interiors. Several cards carry production notes or identification stamps on the reverse.

Attribution status
This archive is currently in the process of documentation.
Identifications of actors, plays and theatres will be added as research progresses.
The present version (v1.0) includes the full set of photographs without extended catalogue data.

Historical context
Stage photography (butai-shashin) of the Taishō–Shōwa transition represents an important record of kabuki staging practices, costume design and early 20th-century theatrical aesthetics. Complete surviving groups of this size are increasingly uncommon.

Condition
Vintage condition, with natural signs of age.
No restorations. All photographs remain structurally sound.

Scope
34 photographs, approx. 9 × 13 cm each.
Sold only as a complete archive.

Provenance
Riga Gallery of Japanese Art.



Included (v1.0)
– 34 original stage photographs (butai-shashin)
– Taishō–early Shōwa period
– Mixed roles: male roles, warrior roles, onnagata roles
– Mixed staging: interior scenes, props, costume studies
– Several cards with handwritten production notes and stamps


(Detailed identifications — actors, plays, theatres — will be added in updated catalogue versions.)

This listing represents Catalogue Version v1.0.
Research and documentation continue, and updated versions will appear in the shop.
Inquiries welcome.