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This stunning 1909 Japanese pharmaceutical advertisement was produced for Tsumura Juntendo, a company that would become one of Japan’s major manufacturers of kampo, or traditional herbal medicine. The print promotes two remedies: Chūjō-tō, a long-running women’s health medicine, and Help, a stomach remedy marketed with distinctly modern appeal.
The composition captures the cultural balancing act of the Meiji era. A graceful bijin in elaborate kimono holds a golden fan bearing the Chūjō-tō name, framed by cherry blossoms and familiar symbols of traditional Japanese beauty. Beside her stands a mustachioed Western gentleman in top hat and formal dress, presenting the Help remedy. The pairing visually reflects a Japan rapidly modernizing while still drawing heavily on established cultural traditions.
The advertisement can be dated precisely to 1909 through the integrated calendar for Meiji 42 in the lower right corner. By this point, Western medicine, technology, fashion, and advertising methods had become powerful symbols of progress in Japan. Even the English word “HELP” would have carried a modern, cosmopolitan association for contemporary consumers.
Tsumura Juntendo was founded in the late 19th century and remains active today through Tsumura & Co. Chūjō-tō also has an unusually long commercial history, linking this advertisement to a pharmaceutical brand tradition that has continued for more than a century. The company addresses printed for Tokyo and Osaka further document the growing national reach of Japanese commercial enterprises during the period.
Credited to printer Uehara Inoji, the sheet also preserves an important record of Japan’s developing commercial printing industry. Like many hikifuda and advertising handbills, it was originally made for everyday promotional use rather than long-term preservation, making surviving examples especially evocative records of Meiji consumer culture.
More than a century later, this advertisement remains a fascinating document of Japanese modernization, bringing together traditional beauty, Western influence, medicine, and commercial design in a single image.
Size: 10.5" x 14.75"
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.
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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.
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Authentic Vintage Posters- RETURNS
7514 Girard Ave
STE 1615
La Jolla, CA 92037
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