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Japanese Tommy, between 1855 and 1865. Creator: Unknown
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Japanese Tommy, between 1855 and 1865. Creator: Unknown
Japanese Tommy, between 1855 and 1865. [African-American entertainer, sometimes billed as the African Tom Thumb and the African Dwarf Tommy.
Dilwards stature may have allowed him to appear on stage with whites at a time when almost no black men did. He sang, danced and played the violin, and is thought to have invented the word hunky-dory. His stage name of Japanese Tommy may have been intended to hide his ethnic background]
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Media ID 26378504
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Dwarf Entertainer Glass Negatives 1850 1870 Gmgpc Portrait Photographs 1850 1870 Gmgpc Afro American Brady Handy Collection Brady Mathew Brady Mathew B Handy Lc Handy Levin Handy Levin C Handy Levin Corbin Lc Handy Levin C Handy Levin Corbin Handy Levin Handy Mathew B Brady Mathew Benjamin Brady Mathew Brady
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the enigmatic figure known as Japanese Tommy, taken between 1855 and 1865. Despite being an African-American entertainer, Tommy was able to break barriers in a time when opportunities for black men were scarce. Often billed as the African Tom Thumb or the African Dwarf Tommy due to his diminutive stature, he possessed remarkable talents that allowed him to share the stage with white performers. Tommy's performances encompassed singing, dancing, and playing the violin, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. It is even believed that he coined the phrase "hunky-dory" adding yet another contribution to popular culture. Interestingly, his choice of stage name as Japanese Tommy may have been a deliberate attempt to conceal his ethnic background. The photograph itself captures Tommy in full length, exuding confidence and charisma. His presence commands attention despite being surrounded by a monochrome backdrop. Preserved through glass negatives from the mid-19th century in the Library of Congress' Brady Handy Collection, this image offers us a glimpse into both history and entertainment. As we admire this portrait of Thomas Dilward (his given name), we are reminded of his significant role in challenging societal norms during a tumultuous period in American history. This image serves as a testament to resilience and talent while shedding light on an often overlooked chapter within African-American performance history.
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