18.00 USD
As with so many of these early Japanese picture postcards, this one was gorgeously hand-tinted. Really a charming image of three girls, or young women, sharing a book.
We thought we'd mention here that we often see Japanese women in these early images identified as "Geishas." This is probably incorrect in most cases. Geishas were and are (as you probably know), highly trained, professional entertainers. There are certainly postcard images of geishas out there, but calling every Japanese woman we see pictured in traditional costume a geisha, is a little like calling every European woman we see pictured in the traditional costume of her country, a "Singer." Sorry if we come off sounding critical here. We really don't intend it that way. Just trying to move ever closer to historical accuracy, and further away from well intended inaccuracies, where the wonderful images we sell are concerned.
Commercially produced picture postcards were not printed in Japan before 1900. After their appearance, just as with early European picture postcards, they were produced with an undivided back, upon which (by postal regulation) no writing other than the recipient's address was allowed. Japanese postal regulations first allowed the divided back in 1907, and as in the case of this card, one third of the card's back side was allowed for personal communication or advertizing. In 1918, this portion was extended to one half of the card's back, helping us date our card to sometime between 1907, and 1918.
Lovely condition on this one, with only minor rounding of the corners. Please examine our high res scans for detail.
The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.
And please come visit our blog at:
redpoulaine.blogspot.com
where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!