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Farm labourer smoking, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
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Farm labourer smoking, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
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Media ID 20954923
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
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This evocative photograph captures the moment of respite for a Japanese farm labourer in the late 1800s. Dressed in traditional clothing, the man sits on a bale of hay, taking a draw from a long pipe. The serene expression on his face and the peaceful setting of the rural landscape convey a sense of tranquility amidst the hard work of the agricultural season. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan underwent significant modernization and industrialization, but the agricultural sector remained a crucial part of the economy. Farm labourers played a vital role in maintaining the productivity of rice paddies and other crops. Despite the long hours and physical demands of farm work, they found moments of relaxation and enjoyment, such as taking a break to smoke a pipe. The photograph also offers a glimpse into the material culture of rural Japan during this time. The labourer's simple yet functional clothing, the bale of hay, and the pipe itself all reflect the everyday life of the agricultural community. The image invites us to appreciate the human connection to the land and the simple pleasures that could be found even in the most labor-intensive of occupations. The photograph's composition, with the labourer situated in the center of the frame and the landscape stretching out behind him, emphasizes the harmony between the man and his environment. The muted colors and soft focus further enhance the sense of timelessness and nostalgia, making this an enduring image of rural Japan in the late 19th century.
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