Japanese Ophthalmoscope 1892
This antique Japanese ophthalmoscope 1892 is a very rare and collectible instrument in excellent condition. It was invented by Dr. Jujiro Komoto and represents a landmark in the history of Japanese ophthalmology. Few examples of this instrument survive in this state of preservation.
Dr. Jujiro Komoto and Japanese Ophthalmology
The Japanese Ophthalmological Society describes Komoto’s remarkable career. After studying for several years in Germany, Jujiro Komoto (1859–1938) returned to the Tokyo Imperial University. He became the very first Professor of Ophthalmology in Japan. Komoto also produced the three-volume Textbook of Ophthalmology — the first comprehensive ophthalmology textbook written originally in Japanese. He served as the first President of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society.
Design and Construction
Komoto designed this Japanese ophthalmoscope in 1892. He held the only professorship in all of Japan until 1901. The Komoto ophthalmoscope remained a clinical standard in Japan until 1950 — an extraordinary testament to the quality of its design.
The instrument comes with a case containing three accessory lenses of +2, +4, and +5 diopters. Lifting the flap that holds these lenses reveals a hidden compartment. This area once held two condensing lenses of approximately 12 and 20 diopters.
The ophthalmoscope has two mirrors in perfect condition. One is a plano mirror and the other is a concave magnifying mirror. Both rotate into position as shown in the photographs. The handle appears to be steel or chrome-plated brass.
Case and Label
The instrument is presented in its original fitted case with red interior lining. Three small gold figures appear on the case lid. The label on the lid translates from Japanese as “ophthalmoscope” according to Google Translate.
This is an exceptional piece of Japanese medical instrument history — rare, beautiful, and in superb condition.
