[Two Matchbook Label Albums][Rinpyō 燐票]

19. Item #90932

[Two matchbook label albums] [Rinpyō 燐票] [C. Late Meiji, early Taisho 1900-1920] Two 15.8 x 11cm orihon folding albums with cloth covered boards and decorative title slips. There are matchbook labels on front and back sides of the folding albums with 3 to 4 matchbook labels, (one book has pages with 2 labels per page), attractively placed on each page. One book has approx 77 on each side for a total of about 154 while the other has approx 76-79 for a total of about 155. Label artwork promotes batteries, Shell and Associated gasoline, taxi services, Osaka train lines, Gourd, Westminster and Muse cigarettes, and of course, matches, among others. The copy of one brand of tobacco mentions Columbus discovering America in 1492. A few labels feature photographic reproductions of a city, alongside traditional motifs of women in kimono, kabuki actors and the rising sun. Japanese brands match brands, as well as those from other countries, such as Norway and Sweden, are displayed. Labels are nicely grouped by category on pages. Worn spots to fabric on both front and one rear boards. Slight foxing on a few pages.

Price: $550.00