Rare Pre-WWII Woodblock Postcards - We recently purchased a fantastic collection of rare Japanese woodblock postcards dating from the early 1930s right up to just before WWII. They feature an incredible range of subjects, from New Year's greetings for each Zodiac animal to kabuki scenes and traditional landscapes. Some illustrate parodies of classic Japanese scenes, such as mice attending the theater or visiting a bathhouse. Of special interest are those featuring the 1936 Olympics, and a few featuring the flags of Japan and Nazi Germany. Beautifully printed with attractive detail and fine color, some also include deluxe embellishments such as mica or metallic pigment.
Artist - Shin-hanga & Modern artist (unsigned or not read)
Image Size - 3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Slight soiling, some have slight creasing, nicks at edges, or stains. Many of the postcards are blank (unused), while some have writing on the reverse or stamps with cancellation marks dating from Showa 4 to 13 (1929 to 1938). Please see photos for a sense of individual condition.