1931 Japanese commemorative tanzaku set – Emperor Meiji 明治天皇, Nogi 乃木希典

Original Japanese commemorative tanzaku set of three, produced in 1931.

This group consists of three narrow printed memorial cards in traditional tanzaku format, made on decorative metallic paper (silver and gold tones). The set presents three historically documented figures closely associated with the moral and cultural memory of modern Japan:

• Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito, 明治天皇 / 睦仁) — gold-toned tanzaku with a printed portrait based on well-known official images of the Meiji Emperor.
• General Nogi Maresuke (乃木希典) — silver-toned tanzaku with a printed portrait and commemorative text related to his widely known farewell poem (jisei no uta).
• Shizuko Nogi (乃木静子) — silver-toned tanzaku depicting the wife of General Nogi; the image corresponds to documented museum and archival representations.

All three pieces share the same format, materials, and production characteristics and were issued as original period printed commemorative works with facsimile calligraphy, not handwritten originals.

Each tanzaku bears an identical circular red stamp on the reverse with the date 2.8.31 (2 August 1931), indicating the original production period of the set.

This ensemble represents private commemorative material reflecting the historical, moral, and cultural atmosphere of Japan in the early 1930s. Such sets were intended for remembrance and contemplation rather than official display.

STYLE NOTE

Printed memorial tanzaku with photomechanical portraits and facsimile calligraphy, typical of early 20th-century Japan.

CONDITION

Good vintage condition.
Vintage items may show natural signs of age, including light toning and minor surface marks.
No restoration. Please review all photos carefully.

SIZE

Size (approx.):
• Silver tanzaku: 6 × 37 cm (each)
• Gold tanzaku: 6.2 × 37 cm

SHIPPING

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia
(Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.