Rare Original 1932 (Showa 7) Osaka Asahi Shimbun Calendar - Complete 4-Sheet Set
【English Description】
Overview: A remarkably preserved, original Japanese wall calendar issued by the Osaka Asahi Shimbun for the year 1932 (Showa 7 / Imperial Era 2592). This complete 4-sheet calendar measures 38.5 cm x 27.0 cm and captures the unique aesthetic transition of early 1930s Pre-WWII Japan—blending traditional Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) beauty with early modern Western influence.
Sheet 1 (Cover / Jan–Mar): "Takaragura" (Treasure Lantern & Beauty) by Kitano Tsunetomi (北野恒富 筆) A magnificent Bijin-ga (beauty painting) by legendary Osaka master Kitano Tsunetomi. Depicts a refined young woman in a lavishly embroidered red kimono beside festive decorations and paper lanterns, welcoming the New Year with classical elegance.
Sheet 2 (Apr–Jun): "Funasobi" (Boating) by Okubo Sakujiro (大久保作次郎 筆) A charming Western-style (Yoga) oil painting depicting modern Showa youth enjoying a summer boat ride on a serene lake. Captures the leisurely, cosmopolitan "Taisho-Showa Modernism" fashion of the era with sunhats and parasols.
Sheet 3 (Jul–Sep): "Tsuyu" (Dew) by Ito Shinsui (伊東深水 筆) A breathtaking Shin-Hanga / Nihonga masterpiece by world-renowned artist Ito Shinsui. Depicts three elegant women in exquisite summer kimonos conversing in a blooming morning glory and hibiscus garden under gentle morning dew.
Sheet 4 (Oct–Dec): "Gin-ban / Skiers" by Enomoto Chikatoshi (榎本千花俊 筆) A vibrant retro winter sports illustration featuring young Japanese women in modern 1930s skiing attire against a snowy mountain backdrop. A wonderful example of early Japanese winter sports culture and graphic art.
Overall Condition: Excellent Unused Vintage Condition. Considering it is over 90 years old, it is in exceptional, complete condition.
Pages & Paper: No rips, tears, folds, or scribbles/handwriting on any of the calendar pages. Light natural paper tanning and faint foxing (age spots) consistent with authentic paper from the 1930s.
Binding & Hanging Eyelets: The top metal binding holes are completely intact with no tearing around the eyelets. The metal strip shows minor natural oxidation due to age.
Printed before World War II, newspapers like the Osaka Asahi Shimbun commissioned Japan's top fine artists to design their annual gift calendars for subscribers. Because paper was heavily recycled or discarded over time, finding an entire, undamaged 4-sheet calendar from 1932 in unused condition is extremely rare. Ideal for collectors of Shin-Hanga, Japanese graphic design, Showa modernism, and vintage paper ephemera.
Year of Issue: 1932 (Showa 7 / 西暦1932年 / 神武天皇即位紀元2592年)
Publisher: Osaka Asahi Shimbun (大阪朝日新聞)
Quantity: 1 Cover + 3 Seasonal Sheets (Complete 4-Sheet Set)
Dimensions: Approx. 38.5 cm x 27.0 cm (15.1 in x 10.6 in)
Weight: Approx. 55 grams
Country of Origin: Japan
Free Worldwide Shipping via International Air Packet.
Packed with extreme care: securely flat-packed between thick, rigid cardboard sheets in a moisture-resistant sleeve to ensure safe delivery without bending or damage during international transport.