[Matchbook Label Album] [Rinpyō 燐票]

1915. Item #90933

[Matchbook Label Album] [Rinpyō 燐票]. Taisho, Showa era. 1915-early post-War. 18.2 x 25.5cm orihon folding album with floral fabric-covered boards and color printed label on front board. Cover label has a design of Osaka Castle with Japanese text (大禮記念事業) that is the name of an Osaka commemorative event that could b referring to the restoration of the main tower of Osaka castle that was c. 1931.

Color labels with Japanese and English text are laid down on each side of the album as well as the inner front board. Each page has 16 labels, 13 pages on one side and 12 on the other, for a total of 400 labels. A few of the pages have a theme with labels in a similar design and color. 2 pages have labels in a brown and white printed design with printed text and brushed names in the center. The printed text announces new members (入會披露) of the Osaka Matchbook Friends Association (大阪燐校好友會) and the labels are dated from Taisho 5 大正五年 to Taisho 14 大正十四 [1916 - 1925]. A few of the labels on other pages also give the date of Taisho 14 大正十四.

The collection is mainly centered on the Kansai area of Japan, with many of the businesses in the cities of Osaka and Kobe, although Tokyo is represented as well. The range of establishments and products represented is wide, including tearooms and cafes, the Imperial Hotel, a Chinese restaurant, soda fountains, health drinks, Lady Hamilton, the Daimaru, Shirokiya, and Takashimaya dept. stores, Sakura beer, Chuo Taxi, Nippon Match company, shipping companies, a sushi restaurant, and the Maya Ropeway in Kobe. One is from the Francis-Barnett motorcycle company in Coventry, England that is still in operation. The Maya Ropeway (Maya Keeburu Kaa 摩耶摩耶ケーブルカー) was opened in 1955.

Wear to and staining of boards with fraying at edges. Wear, damage and staining to some of the labels on the first few pages.

Price: $750.00