Maeda Yoshihiko 油画師 Sensei - 広島市

These five postal cards bear the postmark 安芸広島 (Aki Hiroshima) and are dated August 17, 1889, January 3, 1890, June 18, 1890, June 24, 1891, and September 2, 1891. The sender, whose identity remains unknown, lists their return address simply as 広島市 (Hiroshima-shi)—at least, that is the only portion we can decipher with certainty. 

The sender addresses Maeda Yoshihiko as 先生 (sensei), a term of respect often used for teachers, mentors, or individuals of high status. This suggests that the sender may have been a former pupil. Adding to the intrigue, on two of the cards, Maeda is referred to as 油画師 (Aburaeshi), meaning "oil painter." This title provides a fascinating clue about Maeda’s profession or artistic pursuits during this period.

These cards offer a captivating glimpse into the relationship between the sender and Maeda Yoshihiko, as well as the cultural and social practices of the Meiji era. The use of formal titles like "sensei" and "Aburaeshi" highlights the respect and admiration the sender had for Maeda, while the variety of dates suggests an ongoing correspondence that spanned several years.

There is a strong possibility that the sender of these cards may have been a public servant in Hiroshima, potentially working at 広島市大手町九丁目 (9 Chōme, Ōte-machi, Hiroshima-shi). While we cannot say this with absolute certainty, the evidence from other Hiroshima-postmarked cards in this collection makes this idea quite plausible. Many of the cards sent to Maeda Yoshihiko from this address appear to have originated from individuals associated with local government or public service, suggesting that 9 Chōme may have been a hub for government offices or related activities during the Meiji era.