Japan was not always one of the world's superpowers. In fact, during the reign of Emperor Meiji, who we're looking at here, the country experienced a whole renaissance of technology and social restructuring. This cultural evolution was called the Meiji Restoration, quite fittingly. Japan knew they were falling behind the rest of the world when Commodore Perry commentated on the state of the country, asking their ports to be filled with the extravagant warships of the west. Additionally, the emperor was not trying to pull land ownership from the Daimyo to himself - a bulky task considering the feudal system in Japan was completely locked-in. Good to note is that during his lifetime, most of these things were accomplished.
The emperor's gaze is perfectly intense here. Pictures of geisha or more casual shots will often have the subject looking away from the lens. Here, the gaze is calculating and full of danger. Truth be told, he doesn't look happy, he looks tough. That being said, his posture in the chair suggests a relaxed disposition, he is both collected, stress free and bold. The picture is framed, obviously, the purposefully placed hat and side-table help to add to the visual density of the picture. In fact, the pattern of the floor compliments his garments.
What I find most striking is something unintentional in the picture's arrangement. Everything is patterned, the even the tablecloth. The only things that really have solid/smooth colors are the emperor's pants, his face, and the cracking wall behind it. It is as if, wether he will admit it or not, there is a fissure in Japanese society, creeping behind him at all times. This assessment brings about many different connotations. For instance, hard expression is demurred when one's eyes follow the crack just behind it. Perhaps this pose is a front to the reality of cultural catch-up.
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