Japanese matchbox art

When I was growing up, I'd play the Japanese card game Hanafuda with my grandparents. Mesmerized by the stunning yet simple designs on each card, I memorized each combination: ribbon, maple and deer, geese, moon and sky, boar and butterfly. At the kitchen table we'd play and snack on senbei, and at these moments I felt so happy and loved. I still remember my grandmother's Japanese plates upon which she'd serve me tiny treats and tea. Surrounded deep in my family's culture, I gained an…

Blank walls suck, so bring some life to your dorm, bedroom, office, studio, wherever Printed on 185gsm semi gloss poster paper Custom cut - refer to size chart for finished measurements Includes a 3/16 inch (5mm) white border to assist in framing

Jumbo size Japanese matchbox label - circa 1920

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All labels photos are from the site: http://jrc-web.com/MatchLabels/ all right reserved to Yutaka Katoh Got it! Got it!

Illustration printed against a gold background.

Japanese matchbook labels.

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Some favourites from my collection of Japanese matchbox labels. Due to the visual style, subject matter and language barrier I find them more interesting and in