Photograph album of ephemera from the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910 & an English family's visit to Japan

1910. Hardcover. Very good overall. A photograph album commemorating the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910, along with the family's photographs of a trip to Japan. The exhibition took place at White City, London in Great Britain from 14 May 1910 to 29 October 1910. It was the largest international exposition that the Empire of Japan had ever participated in and was driven by a desire of Japan to develop a more favorable public image in Great Britain.

The album opens with a shipboard printed telegram, "The Tenyo Maru Wireless Telegram" dated May 8, 1910, announcing that King Edward had died on May 6th and the English were mourning and in a state of confusion. As such, the opening of the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition was "postponed for about one week. The banquet of Prince Asaka is also postponed."

There follows a series of hand painted photographs approx. 6 x 2.5". There are colored postcards, art postcards, and approximately 30 b&w photographs of the family on their visit to Japan. The album also includes invitations, 3 watercolor views, a menu, calling cards from Lady Semon and family, place cards for Mr. & Mrs. Rutherfurd (possibly the owners of the album). Mr. Rutherfurd is a massively tall and heavy fellow, especially alongside the Japanese. A letter from Harishin, collector of Fine Art Curios of Kobe, dated April 2nd, 1910, about lamps the gentleman liked. A large folding image & calligraphy on tissue with the original envelope at the back.

Oblong 8vo, 25 card leaves with ephemera on both sides, made by F. H. Gilson Co., Boston. Leather a little rubbed at edges, string bound.