Mysterious Japan Collection

While Yukis fortune was being told I photographed her, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
While Yukis fortune was being told I photographed her, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Ceremonial Tea served by a lovely lJapanese hands, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Ceremonial Tea served by a lovely lJapanese hands, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

The bath is a large barrel with charcoal stove. Frequently out of doors, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
The bath is a large barrel with charcoal stove. Frequently out of doors, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Sawing and planing are made with a pulling instead of a driving motion, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Sawing and planing are made with a pulling instead of a driving motion, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

With his drum and monkey he is Japans equivalent to our old-style organ grinder, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Peasants of the region of Fuji not by name but merely as O Yama, the Honourable Mountain, c1900
Peasants of the region of Fuji, O Yama, the Honourable Mountain, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

At the top of the temple steps, above Lake Biwa, c1900, (1921). Artist: Marguerite Leonard
At the top of the temple steps, above Lake Biwa, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Saki, the housekeeper sleeps on a mattress with hard pillow under a quilted kimono, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

At Asakusa, the great temple of Tokyo, the fortune-telling business is brisk, c1900, (1921). Two or three priests are busy all the time. From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street

Middle-aged coolie hurriedly seated himself on the bank to pass us in review, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Three generations of women moving a cart with grandmother at the rear, pushing, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Nor could a grande dame in an opera box have exhibited more aplomb, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Nor could a grande dame in an opera box have exhibited more aplomb, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Gates of the Tanjo-ji temple, dedicated to Nichiren, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Gates of the Tanjo-ji temple, dedicated to Nichiren, c1900, (1921). Tanjo-ji is a temple of the Nichiren Shu located in the city of Kamogawa in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, From Mysterious Japan

The theatre street in Kyoto is one of the most interesting highways in the world, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Tai-no-ura - fishing boats, men and women with nets and baskets, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Tai-no-ura - fishing boats, men and women with nets and baskets, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Viscount Kentaro Kaneko, (1853-1942), c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Viscount Kentaro Kaneko, (1853-1942), c1900, (1921). Attended Harvard 1878. Privy Councilor to the Emperor, President of the America-Japan Society of Tokyo. From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street

Tai-no-ura - Tiny houses on a margin of sand with fishing boats, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Tai-no-ura - Tiny houses on a margin of sand with fishing boats, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Large family of young fisherman at Nabuto, with nine children, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Large family of young fisherman at Nabuto, with nine children, c1900, (1921). Fifty years ago Japan had a population of 33, 000, 000. Today it is nearing 60, 000, 000

Viscount Shibusawa, (1840-1931) wearing his samurai swords, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Viscount Shibusawa, (1840-1931) wearing his samurai swords, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

A tea-house garden, Tokyo. Landscape gardening with theme of volcanic origins, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Mrs. Charles Burnett in a 15th-Century Japanese Court costume. Mrs. Burnetts poems written in Japa Artist
Mrs. Charles Burnett in 15th-Century Japanese Court costume, c1900, (1921). Mrs. Burnetts poems written in Japanese have received Imperial recognition. From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street

It takes two hours for a geishas hairstyle, the coiffure, lasts several days, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Dancing girl Kimi-chiyo attender almost every Japanese-style party in Tokyo c1900, (1921). She carried herself with the placid confidence of an established belle

Family luncheon a la Japonaise, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Family luncheon a la Japonaise, c1900, (1921). Family luncheon a la Japonaise. The serving maid is kneeling in the corner at the back

Sweet natured smile of tea-house maid, called nesan - elder sister, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Sweet natured smile of tea-house maid, called nesan - elder sister, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

5000 silkworms eat 125 lbs of mulberry for 8 skeins of silk, making one kimono, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

Digging clams at low-tide in Tokyo Bay, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
Digging clams at low-tide in Tokyo Bay, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

You cannot understand Japan without understanding the Japanese woman, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
You cannot understand Japan without understanding the Japanese woman, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

A laundry on the rivers brim, c1900, (1921). Artist: Julian Leonard Street
A laundry on the rivers brim, c1900, (1921). From Mysterious Japan, by Julian Street. [Doubleday, Page & Company, New York & Toronto, 1921]

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Step into the enigmatic world of Mysterious Japan, captured through the lens of Julian Leonard Street and Marguerite Leonard in the early 20th century. Intriguingly, while Yukis fortune was being told, I had the privilege to photograph her. The year was c1900, and Street's artistic prowess brought this moment to life in 1921. Immerse yourself in the tea ceremony served by lovely Japanese hands. Witness their grace as they delicately pour and present each cup with utmost precision. This captivating scene from c1900 transports us back to a time when tradition reigned supreme. The bath experience is unlike any other - a large barrel heated by a charcoal stove awaits those seeking relaxation amidst nature's embrace. Frequently enjoyed outdoors, this unique bathing ritual depicted in Street's work offers a glimpse into ancient customs that have stood the test of time. Marvel at sawing and planing techniques employed with a pulling motion instead of driving force; an art form mastered by skilled craftsmen during c1900. Street's attention to detail allows us to appreciate these intricate methods that have been passed down through generations. The Japanese people are not bound by material possessions; their ability to move house using hand-carts showcases their resourcefulness and simplicity of lifestyle even during c1900. A testament to their adaptability and resilience. Experience Japans equivalent of our old-style organ grinder - an entertainer accompanied by his drum-playing monkey adds charm and whimsy to bustling streetscapes during c1900s Japan. Venture into Fuji region where peasants refer to it not by name but simply as O Yama, meaning "the Honourable Mountain. " These hardworking individuals find solace amidst nature's grandeur while etching out livelihoods steeped in tradition. Climb atop temple steps overlooking Lake Biwa for breathtaking vistas that transcend time itself.