Japan – Meiji Period, circa 1874–1885 (?). Early official Ja - Lot 297

Japan – Meiji Period, circa 1874–1885 (?). Early official Japanese postal stationery card in 1 sen light blue, featuring an oval imprinted stamp inscribed with 壹錢 (“one sen”) and “JAPANESE POST,” within a decorative blue border characteristic of the first generations of Japanese postal stationery—Japan’s first postal cards were issued in December 1873. The lower margin bears the printed imprint of the Paper Currency Bureau of the Imperial Ministry of Finance (大日本帝國政府大藏省紙幣寮製造). Postally used, with two circular postmarks, partially legible. Bold handwritten address in Japanese on the front; the reverse is entirely covered with a long handwritten message in fluent cursive Japanese script (kuzushiji/sōsho), a fine example of Meiji-era epistolary calligraphy. Condition: diffuse pink staining on both sides, a light horizontal crease, and minor edge wear; otherwise in good condition for a postal document of this period. An interesting testament to the earliest years of Japanese postal history. Keywords: philately, marcophily, postal stationery, Nippon, kuzushiji, calligraphy, domestic mail, early Japanese postal service, Meiji era, Ministry of Finance imprint. 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.