珂羅版印刷技術，與澳門的歷史似乎風馬牛不相及，卻在跨越時空的背景下，展現一定淵源。1874年，英國攝影師約翰·湯姆遜將他多年間在澳門、香港及中國拍攝的影像，印製成四冊《中國與中國人影像》，當中照片正是採用珂羅版 (Collotype) 技術印刷而成。
這一工藝源於170年前，由法國化學家及攝影師Alphonse Poitevin所發明。1883年，日本從歐洲引入珂羅版印刷術，京都便利堂在1905年成立珂羅版工房，開始製作藝術品圖錄和明信片，至今恰好120年，是日本乃至全球碩果僅存的珂羅版廠房之一。
珂羅版印刷是一種複雜的工藝，以照片為原版，能夠精細地再現作品，並呈現出柔和且富有深度的質感。由於採用顏料印刷，它還具有極高的保存性，因而被廣泛應用於複製具藝術及歷史價值的作品，如畫作及壁畫。
來到21世紀，便利堂不僅致力複製珍貴的文化遺產，過去二十多年更拓展國際市場，為全球攝影師及藝術家印製作品，包括大家熟悉的何藩、植田正治、川內倫子和Saul Leiter等知名攝影師，為他們製作典雅精緻的珂羅版攝影集。
攝影不只是單純地按下快門，好的作品更值得以實體展示的方式呈現。本次展覽《珂羅之藝——京都便利堂印刷相片展》，顧名思義以京都便利堂印製的珂羅版相片為主題，展出逾二十位日本及國際攝影師的作品，讓澳門的觀眾領略便利堂的印刷工藝，以及珂羅版照片的獨特魅力。
在墨水的芬芳中，展覽現場還特別展出一系列日本《PROVOKE》世代攝影師的珂羅版照片，透過森山大道、中平卓馬、高梨豐、北井一夫、石內都及渡辺眸的作品，觀眾得以深入理解「挑釁世代」攝影師多元的創作風格與思想。
珂羅之藝——京都便利堂印刷相片展
The Art of Collotype: Prints Made by Benrido
展覽地點：澳門宋玉生廣場393號皇朝廣場3樓J室3J Generative Space
展覽日期：2025年9月27日至10月27日
展覽開幕及分享講座 ：2025年9月27日(六) 7pm @ 3J Generative Space
講者: 藤木祥子Shoko Fujiki ，京都便利堂社長室（企画推進担当）
資助：澳門特別行政區政府文化發展基金
The Art of Collotype: Prints Made by Benrido
Collotype printing may seem unrelated to Macao’s history, but it reveals a connection across time and space. In 1874, Scottish photographer John Thompson compiled images he had taken in Macao, Hong Kong, and China into a book titled “Illustrations of China and its people,” published as collotypes made from Thompson’s photographs.
Invented by French chemist and photographer Alphonse Poitevin 170 years ago, the Collotype printing process was introduced to Japan from Europe in 1883. Benrido established its Collotype Atelier in Kyoto in 1905 and began producing art catalogs and postcards on a full-scale basis. This year, Benrido commemorates the 120th anniversary of its Collotype Atelier, a beacon of artistic reproduction and cultural preservation.
Collotype is a complex printing process that uses photographs as its original source, achieving detailed and exceptional reproductions with a smooth and rich texture. Its use of pigment-based printing ensures high durability and archival stability, making it widely used in reproducing artworks of artistic and historical value.
In the 21st century, Benrido has not only dedicated itself to reproducing cultural treasures but, over the past two decades, has also expanded its international market, creating stunning Mini Portfolios for celebrated photographers and artists, including Fan Ho, Shoji Ueda, Rinko Kawauchi, and Saul Leiter.
Photography is more than just the click of a button. Excellent works deserve to be presented as a print. This exhibition, “The Art of Collotype: Prints Made by Benrido,” focuses on collotype prints produced in Kyoto, showcasing works by over 20 Japanese and international photographers.
In a compelling addition, the exhibition presents an exceptional collection from the Provoke Generation—a vital movement in Japanese photography. Featuring iconic figures such as Daido Moriyama, Takuma Nakahira, Kazuo Kitai, Yutaka Takanashi, Miyako Ishiuchi, and Hitomi Watanabe, this segment delves into the diverse styles and perspectives that defined their work, inviting viewers to explore the dynamic interplay of culture, emotion, and narrative.
This exhibition goes beyond mere visuals. We invite you to appreciate the artistry and labor that underpin each print, all while surrounded by the evocative scent of ink and paper.
The Art of Collotype: Prints Made by Benrido
Date: 2025.09.27-2025.10.27
Venue: 3J Generative Space, 3J, Dynasty Plaza, Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macau S.A.R.
Organizer: Photo Dialect
Sponsor: Governo da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau, Fundo de Desenvolvimento da Cultura
Curator
LAU Tung-Pui, Founder of PhotogStory & DEVEDO, Hong Kong.
