1871 Japan Cherry Blossom Issue (20 Sen Violet)

The 1871 Japanese Cherry Blossom stamps hold a unique place in global philately. They represent Japan's entry into the modern postal world, the first adhesive stamps issued by Japan as the Meiji government undertook its sweeping modernization program. The 20 Sen Violet, with its distinctive cherry blossom design, is one of the highest values in this foundational series and commands serious collector attention among both Japan specialists and classic worldwide enthusiasts.

Historical Context: Japan's Postal Modernization

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 initiated Japan's rapid transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation-state. The establishment of a modern postal system was central to this program. Hisoka Maejima, who is credited as the father of Japan's modern postal system, initiated the service in 1871, modeled partly on the British postal system that had transformed communications in the West.

The stamps issued to support this new service were Japan's first, replacing the earlier native system of messengers and runners. Printed in Japan using traditional woodblock techniques adapted for stamp production, the Cherry Blossom stamps are remarkable documents of this transitional period: the cherry blossom design drew on traditional Japanese aesthetics while the object itself (an adhesive postage stamp) was entirely a Western import.

The first issue appeared in April 1871, with denominations including 48 Mon, 100 Mon, 200 Mon, and 500 Mon. The second issue (October 1871) introduced the Sen denomination series, including the 20 Sen Violet.

The 20 Sen Violet: Design and Production

The Cherry Blossom stamps were produced using a combination of native Japanese printing techniques. The designs feature a stylized cherry blossom motif with the denomination inscription in Chinese characters. The production quality, while accomplished by the standards of traditional Japanese printing, lacks the precision of European and American stamp printing of the era, which contributes to the significant variety in impression quality, color, and paper found across the series.

The 20 Sen Violet is the second-highest denomination in the Sen series. Its violet color distinguishes it clearly from the lower values (which range from pale yellow and blue to green and rose). The relatively high face value meant the 20 Sen was used primarily for heavier domestic mail and for international correspondence.

Production characteristics:

• Design: Stylized cherry blossom with denomination

• Paper: Native Japanese washi paper (variable quality)

• Printing: Woodblock with hand-applied color

• Gum: Native gum, applied inconsistently

• Perforation: Imperforate (original issue) or hand-perforated

The Imperforate Question

Early Japanese stamps existed in both imperforate and variously perforated states, reflecting the experimental nature of the production. The original issue was imperforate, with separation accomplished by scissors. Later issues introduced perforation, but the quality and gauge varied considerably, creating an additional layer of variety for specialists.

For the 20 Sen Violet, collectors distinguish:

• Imperforate singles

• Imperforated with large margins (more desirable)

• Perforated examples (various gauges)

• Used examples with contemporary cancellations

Condition Challenges

The native Japanese paper and gum present specific condition challenges:

Paper fragility: Washi paper is strong in some respects but can absorb moisture unevenly, leading to toning and staining. Acid-free storage is essential for preserved examples.

Gum condition: The native gum is often uneven and may crack or separate from the paper with age. Original gum is desirable but rare on older examples.

Margins: For imperforate stamps, margin size is crucial. Full, balanced margins (showing the design is not cut into) are required for high-grade designation.

Cancellations: Used examples should carry clear Japanese postal markings of the period. Forgeries of cancellations exist and expert opinion is worthwhile for significant purchases.

Values and Market

Rarely does a significant 1871 Japan Cherry Blossom issue appear without generating competitive collector interest. The Japan Philatelic Society, the International Society of Japan Philately, and major auction houses all maintain specialist knowledge of this material.

Authentication Requirements

For any significant purchase of 1871 Japan stamps, expert opinion from a recognized Japanese philatelic expertizing service is essential. Forgeries of many values exist, and the specialist literature (particularly works by Dr. Fumio Sata and the Japan Philatelic Society's expert committee publications) documents the known fakes and provides authentication guidance.

The rarity and beauty of the Cherry Blossom series has made it a consistent subject of collector interest for 150 years, and the 20 Sen Violet's high denomination status ensures it remains among the most studied and documented stamps in Japanese philately.

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