Stereo Photo of Tateishi Onojiro or 'Tommy' Taken in New York by C.D. Fredricks
[Japan] Very scarce stereoview showing Tateishi 'Tommy' Onojiro (who was the youngest member at seventeen years old to join the First Japanese Embassy to the US in 1860) next to a samurai named Ozutsu. Tateishi (1843-1917) was a trainee interpreter and became the most popular member of the group. Nicknamed 'Tommy' by the Americans, his cheerful nature and good looks made him extremely popular - especially with the American ladies. Apparently, he was fond of beer and there was even a piece of music named after him called the 'Tommy Polka'. The C.D. Fredricks studio label on the rear reads, 'Japanese Embassy. Left Figure. Ozutzu [Ozutsu]. Soldier. Next figure. Tateish Onegero [Tateishi Onojiro], or Tommy, Noble, Interpreter.' One of the earliest photographs of Japanese people.
New York. C.D. Fredricks. 1860.
Card measures 17 x 8.3cm.
In very good condition. Only minor wear to mount. p33071000
