FINE ART
PHOTOGRAPHY

Insight
Photography has been a passion of mine for many years, though many are surprised to learn how deeply it connects to my love of history and Japanese samurai culture. During my school years, my art teacher introduced me to Military Customs in Old Japan, a remarkable book first published in 1893. Its striking photographs of samurai clad in traditional armour immediately captured my imagination and inspired me to create countless line drawings based on them.
I have long admired the pioneering work of 19th-century photographers such as Felice Beato and Baron Raimund von Stillfried. I often wonder what they would have achieved with today’s advanced cameras and technology. My photography is greatly influenced by the chanbara era of early Japanese cinema, particularly the films of Akira Kurosawa and, more recently, the remake of James Clavell’s Shōgun.
Although my work as a dealer and publisher leaves little time for drawing, photography has become the perfect medium for me to continue creating fine art. Through my lens, I aim to bring the timeless spirit of the samurai to life with the hope of offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique fusion of history, artistry, and storytelling.

Samurai portrayed by Felice Beato
Meiji Period.
Japan early 20th century
写真 SASHIN
LIMITED EDITIONS
50 Copies Worldwide
All limited edition prints are hand-signed and numbered by David Thatcher and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Highest Quality Giclée Print
310 gms French Fibre Rag Paper
All prints are (A2) 16.5 × 23.4in
Shipped Rolled

Series One
This series of prints marks the inaugural collection for the launch of the fine art section on the website. Captured in late 2024, Series One showcases a curated selection of fine art photography to which the response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m thrilled to share this milestone with you and excited for what’s to come with my fine art endeavours.

Ryū Ni
Seated Daimyō
Yukinoshita-dō Gusoku

Ryū San
Seated Onna Bugeisha
Okegawa-dō Gusoku

The Teppotai
Female Samurai Gunner
Okegawa-dō

Ryū Go
Seated Onna bugeisha with kabuto
Okegawa-dō Gusoku

Hatamoto
Seated Daimyō
Lord and Bodyguard

Ryū Yon
Seated Onna Bugeisha
Holding a Tachi

Live by the Sword
Seated Warrior
With long Katana

Ryū Ha
Seated Warrior with Katana
Yukinoshita-dō Gusoku