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Item Type: Antique Print
Year: c.1900 - 126 years old
Size: 14.25" x 9.75" (36cm x 25cm)
Condition:
This colorful Japanese commercial print from the late Meiji to early Taisho period was created as a hikifuda, or promotional handbill, for a sake merchant. Rather than advertising a particular bottle or brand, the print promotes the merchant and his liquor business, functioning much like an early decorative advertisement for the shop itself.
The large calligraphy on the right reads sakashō (酒商), meaning “sake merchant” or “liquor dealer.” At the center, an elegant folding fan bears a circular emblem containing the character kichi (吉), meaning “good fortune,” likely serving as a shop mark or trademark. The fan itself was also an auspicious symbol, as its widening shape when opened traditionally suggested expanding prosperity.
Peonies and a colorful temari ball surround the fan. Peonies were associated with wealth and honor, while temari were decorative handcrafted balls connected with celebration, friendship, and good wishes. Together, these symbols made the advertisement particularly appropriate as a gift from a merchant to valued customers.
Hikifuda were commonly distributed by Japanese businesses as promotional gifts, often around the New Year. By creating something attractive and filled with symbols of good fortune, merchants encouraged customers to keep and display the advertisement rather than discard it.
The vivid colors reflect the increasingly brilliant commercial printing available during the Meiji period, while the work is signed “Kokuho hitsu” at lower left. More than a simple advertisement, the print offers a wonderful glimpse into sake culture, traditional symbolism, and the creative ways Japanese merchants promoted their businesses at the turn of the twentieth century.
Size: 9.75" x 14.25"
Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.
Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.
We us a widely recognized 6 scale system to grade our posters.
All items are carefully hand-packed and shipped in a sturdy tube within 3 business days of payment unless otherwise indicated. Some items which were previously folded or not suitable for rolling will be sent in a flat pack. Please note that an adult signature may be required upon delivery, so we are unable to ship to PO boxes.
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Our Guarantee
All of our posters are guaranteed to be authentic and as described in the product description to the best of our knowledge and belief, and in good faith. Quite simply, if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of receipt and we'll gladly accept your return, providing the item is in the same condition as it was sent.
Returns
Our policy lasts 14 days. If 14 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it. It must also be sent in the original packaging.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 14 days after delivery may also be ineligible.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. Your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within two business days. Original shipping costs are not refundable.
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To return your product, you should mail your product to:
Authentic Vintage Posters- RETURNS
7514 Girard Ave
STE 1615
La Jolla, CA 92037
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If you are returning an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service and purchasing shipping insurance. We can't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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