[CROWN PRINCE HIROHITO IN EUROPE].

皇太子殿下御渡歐第三艦隊記念寫眞帖. [Kōtaishi denka gotoō Daisan kantai kinen shashinchō].<BR> [Commemorative Album of the Crown Prince's European Visit with the Third Fleet].

東京. [Tokyo]. 第三艦隊司令部. [Dai-san Kantai Shireibu]. Taisho 10 [ 1921]. Stock ID #219637

One hundred and forty black and white photographic plates, including one double-page photographic illustration, 23 x 30.5cm, tassel ties, silk covered boards, title label upper cover. Endpaper and first leaf creased, some light soiling, occasional light spotting, repaired tear lower edge one leaf, boards worn at extremities causing loss of silk at corners and spine. A sound copy.

This fascinating and rare commemorative photographic album, edited and published by the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Third Fleet Headquarters, documents Crown Prince Hirohito’s celebrated journey to Europe in 1921. The album was not offered for sale and appears to have been distributed only to those involved in the voyage.

The journey lasted six months, from March to September 1921. It was Hirohito’s first experience of travelling outside Japan and made a profound and lasting impression on him, strongly influencing his view of the wider world. Through its numerous photographic plates, the album closely chronicles the voyage from departure to return. Three photographers are named in the crew list at the end of the volume, and their images record life aboard ship as well as the ports and cities visited throughout Asia and Europe. Remarkably, the photographers were able to capture many candid scenes, several of which reveal Hirohito’s lively and joyful expressions during the tour.

Hirohito departed Yokohama aboard the battleship Katori, accompanied by the Kashima as an escort ship. The vessels called at Okinawa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Egypt, Malta and Gibraltar before arriving at Portsmouth. His visit to the United Kingdom included numerous official events and ceremonies. In London he was received as both a royal and state guest, with processions and a banquet at Buckingham Palace. He also travelled to Oxford, Cambridge and Scotland. The British public appears to have welcomed him enthusiastically, and the album includes photographs of large crowds lining the streets and a group of girls dressed in kimonos and holding fans.

After Britain, the Crown Prince travelled through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. One particularly engaging photograph shows Hirohito at the Eiffel Tower, excitedly pointing towards something in the city below.

The album also includes photographs of the crews aboard the two ships. A costume party was held to celebrate Hirohito’s birthday, and several lively images record the occasion. The names of the crew members are listed at the end of the album. Sato Tatsumi, a Second Class Engineer aboard the Kashima, has been marked in ink and may have been the album’s original owner.

The cloth covers are woven with a pattern of phoenixes, a motif traditionally associated with the Imperial family and particularly appropriate for an album commemorating the Crown Prince’s journey.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 219637.

Price: $750.00 AU

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