Flavorwire

Italian photographer Adolfo Farsari is known for his hand-colored portraits and landscapes — particularly of Japan and the country’s residents. Farsari settled there in the late 19th century and started a successful commercial studio — one of his many entrepreneurial ventures. He sold decorative albums filled with images depicting Japanese artistic traditions and expansive views of the landscape to tourists. His exacting standards made them some of the most sought after works available and are thought to have largely shaped foreign perceptions of the country. See more of Farsari’s gorgeous, hand-colored photos in our gallery.

Image credit: Adolfo Farsari