Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 517

Real Photo Postcard, Bunraku Puppet Show, Osaka Theatre

Estimate: $25 - $50
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
A real photo postcard documents a live Bunraku puppet performance on the stage of the Bunrakuza Theatre in Osaka, Japan, printed under the Taisho Hato Brand and made in Wakayama. The divided-back format and publisher imprint place production in the early twentieth century. Both English and Japanese text identifying the subject appear in the upper border of the image.

Three puppeteers in dark formal kimono are visible mid-performance, each manipulating elaborately costumed puppets with painted theatrical faces. The central puppet wears a flowing white robe decorated with bold painted pine boughs and raises a large feathered prop overhead in a dramatic gesture, while the flanking puppets are dressed in richly patterned robes with floral motifs and carry small swords. A painted stage backdrop depicts cherry blossoms in full bloom, leafy trees, and traditional Japanese architectural elements including a tiled-roof building and latticed screens.

The Bunrakuza was Osaka's premier Bunraku theater, established to preserve the classical Japanese puppet theater tradition known for its large, expressive puppets each requiring up to three operators. The combination of cherry blossom scenery and warrior puppets with swords suggests a scene from a period drama, a staple of the Bunraku repertoire.

The reverse bears the printed heading "Carte Postale" with a divided back layout, publisher imprint reading "Taisho Hato Brand, Made in Wakayama," and a handwritten notation reading "COLEZ 3127/04 Eb."

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