Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s

Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s
Originally uploaded by crackdog

This image has inspired a new gallery, MATCHBOX MASTERPIECES... with the following text:

Crackdog's collection of matchboxes is awe-inspiring. While many are for bars and other establishments, subjects that make the issue a memory of some youthful joys, it is the designs that remain in my mind that I really appreciate.

Most of these matchboxes, or all of them, were created by Japanese advertising artists in the 1920s through the late 1930s and could be advertising any number of establishments that were part of a very large Japanese Empire.

It is the intrique and mystery of this historic era that fascinates me. I believe it is an era that has been shelved, more or less, because of the Imperialist nature.

As an American, let me be the first to admit that the United States was one of the main players in the game of colonialism and imperialism. From the time the U.S. declared the "Manifest Destiny" to the time we forcefully annexed the kingdom of Hawaii, we have subtly become very large realtors in world properties.

Vintage Japanese matchbox label, c1920s-1930s
If anyone knows what the Japanese writing says, please let me know. I would love to find out.

Uploaded by crackdog on 12 Apr 10, 11.17PM PST.