This is a complete set of three commemorative postcards issued in 1921 to celebrate the return of Crown Prince Hirohito, later Emperor Showa, from his historic tour of Europe. The set was published by the Choyokai association of the Printing Bureau and includes its original commemorative wrapper. The significance of this set goes far beyond ordinary vintage postcards. In 1921, the 20-year-old Crown Prince Hirohito became the first Japanese crown prince to make a major overseas tour, visiting countries including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. This journey took place only a few years after the end of World War I, at a time when the international order was rapidly changing. For the young heir to the Japanese throne, it was an important opportunity to directly observe European royal courts, politics, military institutions, and society. During his visit to Britain, Hirohito met King George V and experienced the British constitutional monarchy firsthand. The journey became one of the most important international experiences of his youth. Five years later, in 1926, he ascended the throne as Emperor Showa. He would remain Emperor through some of the most dramatic events in modern Japanese history: the Manchurian Incident, the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II, Japan’s defeat in 1945, and the country’s postwar reconstruction. That makes these postcards especially evocative. They do not simply show a young Japanese royal. They preserve scenes from the life of a man who would later become one of the central figures of 20th-century Japanese history, at a moment when he was still a young Crown Prince encountering the wider world. The three postcards depict scenes connected with the European tour, including: Crown Prince Hirohito during his visit to Oxford A ceremonial carriage procession in Britain A meeting with local officials during the tour Each postcard also bears a 1921 commemorative stamp issued for the Crown Prince’s return to Japan, together with a special commemorative cancellation dated September 5, 1921, from Osaka. The original wrapper is also included. It features traditional Japanese imperial imagery including the chrysanthemum crest, paulownia motifs, cranes, and waves. What makes this set particularly desirable is the combination of several surviving historical elements in one group: the complete three-postcard set, the original wrapper, the commemorative stamps, and the special commemorative cancellations. Rather than being simply a postcard set, this is a compact piece of Japanese imperial, diplomatic, postal, and prewar history. More than 100 years old, it naturally shows some age-related toning, light wear, and minor edge wear. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition. An especially interesting piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese history, Emperor Hirohito, royal memorabilia, diplomatic history, postal history, and early Japanese postcards. A young Crown Prince, five years before becoming Emperor, seen at the beginning of a journey that would place him at the center of modern Japanese history. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.
This extremely rare photo album documents a pivotal moment in modern Japanese history-the final provincial tour of Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa) before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Conducted in May 1926, just months before Emperor Taisho’s death, this tour to Okayama Prefecture symbolized not only continuity of imperial tradition, but also the coming of a new era. At only 25 years old, Hirohito was already serving as regent due to his father’s failing health. His travels across Japan were carefully observed by both the Japanese public and political elites, as they represented the emergence of a new national figurehead during a time of rapid modernization and political uncertainty. This particular album-privately published in Okayama-features. Hirohito’s visit to the prestigious Sixth High School (a key feeder to Tokyo Imperial University). Ceremonial appearances at Kibitsu Shrine and Okayama Castle. Photographs of cheering crowds, imperial motorcades, and students saluting the Crown Prince. Exceptional candid shots reflecting imperial pageantry and authority. As Emperor Showa, Hirohito would later reign through Japan’s most tumultuous era-spanning militarization, war, defeat, and postwar reconstruction. This album offers an intimate look at the young man who would become the longest-reigning monarch in Japanese history and one of the most complex political figures of the 20th century. Publisher: Kiriyama Photo Studio, Okayama. 15 × 22.5 cm. Condition: Wear, staining, and aging present. Please examine images carefully. A rare and historically significant artifact. Ideal for collectors of prewar Japan, imperial memorabilia, or Hirohito-related history. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
Appears to be in good shape for it’s age (98 years old). But please view all the pictures for yourself. When closed the book is 19″ wide by 8″ tall and with 3/4thick frame. Some of my recent feedback. Diane, British Columbia Canada. Raymond, British Columbia Canada. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Appears to be in good shape for it’s age (98 years old). But please view all the pictures for yourself. When closed the book is 19″ wide by 8″ tall and with 3/4thick frame. Some of my recent feedback. The tobacco silks arrived in great shape. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Mounted Photograph And Document – US Army Air Service Enlistment Tour , August 1919. Providence Rhode Island, August 9th, 1919. Mounted Silver-Gelatin Photograph of Biplane And Pilots of the Dallas-Boston Aerial Flight Squadron, With Government Liability Waiver Document (For Accident or Death During Flight in a Government Aircraft) Mounted Below, Signed by George L. Gross of Providence RI. 9 7/8 ” x 7 3/4 “. 7 3/8 ” x 4 3/8 “. In 1919 the Providence Chamber of Commerce invited the Dallas-Boston Aerial Flight Squadron of the U. Army Air Service to stop in Providence as part of a country-wide enlistment tour. Gross of the River & Harbor Committee along with other members of the Providence Chamber of Commerce were given the opportunity to be taken on flights over the Providence area. Gross was taken on one such flight and the attached document is his government flight accident / death waiver. The photograph depicts a piloted squadron biplane, with another pilot standing in front of the plane in the foreground. I believe the pilot in the foreground is Captain Herman Fluegel, though I can’t say with 100% certainty. The plane is decorated with a skull & crossbones, and marked “Enlist” & “Love Field”. The event is chronicled in the January 1919 issue of Providence Magazine Vol. Shows a little wear, the lower-right corner of the mount board is chipped, and the board has a moisture stain on the verso (doesn’t show through to the front side). Please see photographs for details. Feel free to send me any questions or request additional photos.
