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Stanley’s Auction
295
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Japan – Meiji period, circa 1873–1885 (?). Early official Ja…
See original version (French)
295
-
Japan – Meiji period, circa 1873–1885 (?). Early official Ja…
See original version (French)
Estimate €80 - €150
Voluntary lot
Description
Japan – Meiji period, circa 1873–1885 (?).
Early official Japanese postal stationery card (官製葉書 – Kansei Hagaki) in 1 sen blue, featuring a circular pre-printed stamp adorned with the imperial chrysanthemum and floral motifs, inscribed with ‘1 SEN’ and 一銭, within an elaborate decorative blue border characteristic of the earliest generations of Japanese postal stationery — Japan’s first postal cards were issued in December 1873, just a few years after the invention of the postal card itself. Postally used, bearing a handwritten address in Japanese on the front and a long handwritten message in cursive Japanese script (kuzushiji) on the reverse. Several postmarks are present, including black circular date stamps and a red circular handstamp, possibly from Yokohama (横濱) (?). A printed cartouche indicates that only the address was to be written on this side, with the message to be written on the reverse. In good overall condition for a postal item of this period, showing patina, soiling, traces of postal handling and slight wear to the corners. An interesting insight into the earliest years of Japanese postal history.
Keywords: philately, marcophily, postal stationery, Nippon, chrysanthemum, kuzushiji, calligraphy, Yokohama, domestic mail, early Japanese postal service, Meiji era.
The descriptions are based on our interpretation of the postmarks and handwritten inscriptions, which are sometimes difficult to decipher; they are provided in good faith and without guarantee.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits:
SANCHEZ Hugo
See original version (French)
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