Steretta Scope

Japan, 1980s

At first glance, the Steretta Scope looks more like a piece of finely made furniture than a stereoscope, which is part of its charm. Produced and sold in Japan in 1984 by Toa Photo Company, then known as Diamond Camera, it was handcrafted in high-quality domestic cherry wood, mounted on a base, and made in very limited numbers.

The real surprise is what came with it: a wooden storage case holding the Time Machine “Meiji Japan” series, with 48 landscape views (Volume 1), 48 scenes of customs and manners (Volume 2), and 18 views of the Russo-Japanese War (Volume 3). Our set goes even further, with supplemental A, B, and C stereoview sets adding another 79 Russo-Japanese War stereoviews.

The images are high-quality reproductions, but the overall experience feels wonderfully original, transporting viewers straight back to Meiji-era Japan.

Primary Material: Wood
Media Format: Card
Light Source: Natural light
Focus: Adjustable
Interocular: Fixed