CDV of Ikeda Nagaoki and Frederick Blekman taken by Antonio Beato in Cairo, Egypt
[Japan] Extremely scarce carte de visite photo of members of the 1864 Ikeda Mission (Second Japanese Embassy to Europe) showing the mission leader Ikeda Nagaoki (1837-1879) sitting at centre, vice-leader Kawazu Sukekuni (1821-1873) standing on the left, inspector/censor Kawada Hiromu (1835-1900) standing on the right, and the mysterious Frederick Blekman [sometimes Frederik Bleckman] (1839?- unknown), who accompanied the embassy as an interpreter. Blekman was apparently born in Amsterdam but is also described as French. Inscribed in French on rear, 'Ambassad Japonaise a passage au Cairo 1864', and with studio stamp of 'A. Beato Photographe au Caire (Egypte) also on rear. The only other known photo taken of the Japanese embassy during their brief stay in Egypt on the way to Europe is the very famous image of a large group standing in front of the Sphinx, also taken by Antonio Beato.
Cairo. Antonio Beato. 1864.
8.7 x 5.9cm.
In very good condition. A few very minor marks and age wear. p36121756
