[IDEMITSU, MAMORU]. 出光衛.

書簡図絵. 上海. [Shokan zue. Shanghai].<BR> [Letter Card. Shanghai].

Shanghai. 至誠堂. [Shiseido]. Showa 13 [ 1938]. Stock ID #220049

Letter card featuring a delightful colour illustrated fold out birds-eye view map in the style of Japanese cartography showing Shanghai, including The Bund and as far north as the Yangtze. Map measures 14 x 50cm, city plan of Shanghai printed in black, red and blue on letter, black and white photographic illustrations on the reverse of folding map, 17 x 11cm. Lettercard folds in attractive colour pictorial card covers showing the Bund from across the Huangpu with Chinese craft plying the river in the foreground. Some light browning on the card, a tiny section of pink offset onto the edge of the folding map, a little insect damage on covers. A very good copy of an unusual item of Shanghai ephemera.

This 1938 letter card includes a beautifully illustrated birds-eye view map of Shanghai and surrounding areas. On the reverse of the map a small panoramic photographic depiction of the Shanghai Bund is accompanied by descriptions of the city economy, geography, population, climate, administration and some tourist information. In 1937, the Japanese military placed its troops in Shanghai after two "incidents" in Shanghai so that they could keep their hold on the city.

The front cover of the card letter states that can be mailed through the military post. This clearly indicates the Japanese military presence in Shanghai at the time. The illustrated birds-eye view map clearly shows many landmark buildings in the Bund, such as Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Customs House, as well as outer towns and villages stretching to Yangtze River. In a subtle graduation of colours, the map provides a delightful contrast between the vibrant city scenery and the rural landscape. Locations are labelled with their names in Japanese style. A city map on the back of the card has locations of foreign diplomatic missions and includes mention of the Japanese Marine Headquarters. The reverse side includes a panoramic black and white photograph illustration of the Bund across Huangpu River and summary of Shanghai information. It emphasises the city's importance as the trade centre and finishes by saying, "When the Japanese glance at the Greater Shanghai, we reflect that all the areas were battle ground of the Sacred War for Japan". In this way, the guide reminds the Japanese tourists of the Japanese victory and presence in Shanghai.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 220049.

Price: $750.00 AU

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