Antique Imperial Japanese Army Navy Royal Generals Portrait Scroll Prewar
This is a large prewar Japanese hanging scroll featuring members of the Imperial Family together with senior Imperial Japanese Army and Navy officers. At the top of the composition are the words “Nation” and “Defender” , while the outside of the rolled scroll is inscribed. The classical expression “Kanjo” refers to a person who serves as a shield or stronghold protecting the nation. In this scroll, the phrase presents the Imperial Family and senior military leaders as the men entrusted with defending and supporting the Japanese state. The upper section includes Emperor Meiji, Emperor Taisho, Prince Arisugawa, Prince Fushimi, and other members of the Imperial Family with strong military connections. Beneath them is an extensive gallery of senior Army and Navy officers, many shown in full dress uniforms with decorations and medals. Many portraits also include English names, making the individual figures easier to identify for overseas collectors. One particularly interesting clue is the apparent absence of Crown Prince Hirohito, later Emperor Showa. Hirohito was born in 1901 and became an increasingly prominent public figure during the Taisho period, especially before becoming Regent in 1921. His absence from a composition devoted to the Imperial Family and leading military figures suggests that this scroll may date from the late Meiji to early or middle Taisho period, probably around the 1910s, although an exact production date cannot be confirmed from the scroll alone. This makes the piece more than simply a collection of portraits. It is a visual document of how Imperial Japan presented its monarchy, military leadership, rank, honor, and the idea of national defense during the early 20th century. Approximate size: Overall: 55.5 cm × 184.2 cm Printed image section: 45 cm × 120 cm There is age-related wear, staining, rubbing, and other deterioration consistent with an antique paper scroll. No storage box is included. A striking display piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese Army and Navy history, Imperial Family material, military uniforms, decorations, and early 20th-century Japanese militaria. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.