Japan, Russo-Japanese War (1904) - Lot 299

Japan, Russo-Japanese War (1904) Military mail from H.I.J.M.S. Nisshin. Rare illustrated Japanese patriotic postcard, published during the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), bearing the Japanese title 尚武の佳節 (Shōbu no kasetsu, “The Festive Day of the Martial Spirit”) and the English title The Holiday of Warriors, intended for the international market. The allegorical propaganda illustration depicts a Japanese child trampling a white bear—the traditional personification of Russia—while a bearded warrior bearing the Japanese flag seizes a Russian soldier by the collar. Postally used card, with the message headed “H.I.J.M.S. Nisshin” (His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Ship Nisshin), the famous armored cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy that participated in the major operations of the Russo-Japanese War, notably the siege of Port Arthur, the Battle of the Yellow Sea, and the Battle of Tsushima. The message, written in German, thanks the recipient for a letter and card, promises a longer letter to follow, and sends greetings to all. Franked with a 4-sen stamp from the Chrysanthemum series, bearing a Japanese cancellation, routed “Via America,” with a Hannover (Germany) arrival postmark dated November 21, 1904. Addressed to Frau Mierzinsky, Schlägerstraße 55, Hannover. The address side bears the red inscription 軍事郵便 (Gunji Yūbin – “Military mail”), confirming that this card was intended for the Japanese military postal service. 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. postal history, philately, marcophily, naval mail, warship cover, Imperial Japanese Navy, Meiji, deltiology, transpacific route, Japan 1904, war propaganda postcard.