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 515

Real Photo Postcard, Japanese Bunraku Theater Stage Scene

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 documenting a Japanese theatrical performance captures multiple figures arranged across an open stage set designed to resemble a traditional wooden structure with sliding shoji panels and a tiled roofline border above. The card is printed on Artura Photo Papers stock, placing its production in the early twentieth century, and no photographer's imprint is visible beyond the paper manufacturer's mark.

At least seven figures appear across the raised platform, including two elaborately costumed and masked performers with voluminous black wigs and richly embroidered robes, each supported and attended by assistants dressed in white. A small puppet or doll figure is visible at the far left, held by a kneeling attendant beside a stack of lacquered boxes, while a low wooden stand holds props at center stage.

Bunraku, the classical Japanese puppet theater tradition, employs visible puppeteers dressed in white who manipulate large costumed figures in full view of the audience, a convention clearly reflected in the staging captured here. The combination of puppet handlers, costumed lead figures, and formal architectural set pieces is consistent with Bunraku performance practice as documented from the Meiji and Taisho periods.

The reverse bears Japanese text printed vertically along a dividing rule, a pencil notation reading "same play" along the left edge, and an ink notation reading "COLEC 4/01/03 ED" with the numeral 2 at lower right.

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