Felice Beato

This image is from a series of photographs on local transportation attributed to Felice Beato (1832-1909), a pioneering photographer who came to Yokohama in 1863 and, with Charles Wirgman, established the first photographic studio between 1864 and 1868. The woman looks out from her compartment and faces the viewer. Her tall geta (elevated shoes) are on the roof, identifying her as a courtesan. In this staged photograph, she is guarded by a man with two swords, posing as a samurai.