Michael Lehr Antiques
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June Unsold Lot List

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 09:30AM EDT
Buy Now   2026-06-27 09:30:00 2026-06-27 09:30:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June Unsold Lot List https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-unsold-lot-list-24003
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Lot 517

Real Photo Postcard, Bunraku Puppet Show, Osaka Theatre

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Price
$20

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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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