We have four postcards here, all sent from Osaka on the following dates: January 4, 1888; February 18, 1888; January 4, 1890; and February 10, 1890. The sender is 片野正栄館 (Katano Shoeikan), a publisher based in Osaka, whose address is listed as 大坂東区 (Higashiku, Osaka). Katano was known for publishing educational textbooks on art and patriotic themes during the 1870s to 1890s. While the two "New Greetings" cards follow the typical format of polite correspondence, the other two appear to address more serious matters.
The texts seem to address administrative matters, focusing on the established regulations and the importance of adhering to authority as defined by the law. It maintains a formal and instructional tone throughout, emphasizing the necessity of strict compliance with rules, unity among officials, and the ethical standards expected of samurai and other public servants. Additionally, it highlights the role of officials in upholding the integrity of the law and maintaining order within their duties.
Although quite interesting, such subject matter is well beyond the scope of our blog.
Two of the postcards refer to Maeda Yoshihiko as 油画師 (aburaeshi), or oil painting artist, a title we’ve frequently encountered in this postcard collection. However, the card dated February 10, 1890, addresses him as 洋画師 (yōgashi), or Western-style painter. This marks the first time we’ve come across this specific title. From these titles, we can now confidently conclude that Maeda was recognized as a Western-style oil painter.
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