This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/12/2023
[SHIRASE, Nobu (1861-1946)]. [In English: Post cards: Antarctic Expedition: Actual scenes of Antarctic circle Lieutenant Shirase]. Circa 1913.
Two rare unused postcards representing the Japanese Antarctic Expedition, 1910-12, led by Lt. Nobu Shirase. Postcards of the expedition were produced after the return to Japan and were used as part of a larger fundraising campaign to help pay for the expedition. One postcard shows the two Ainu dog handlers, Yasunosuke Yamabe and Shinkichi Hanamori in their full polar gear and with two dogs. On the verso is a rubberstamp depicting the Kainan Maru. The other postcard shows ten staff crew members with nine dressed in their full polar clothing- Lt. Shirase is seated in the center. These two rare images were most likely taken prior to departure of the Japanese Antarctic Expedition. Ross 4.7.2A (“Rare”).