(MITSU BISHI MAIL STEAM SHIP COMPANY) Letterpress timetable

Sale 2263 - Lot 549

Unsold

Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000

(MITSU BISHI MAIL STEAM SHIP COMPANY.) Letterpress timetable in the form of a broadside, listing service between Yokohama and Shanghai for July-December 1877, 16 1/4x12 inches; several minor repairs on verso. Yokohama, 1877

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Additional Details

Extremely scarce piece representing early Japanese passenger line service.
The Mitsu Bishi Steam Ship Co. was formally founded by Yataro Iwasaki in 1870 under the name Tsukumo Shokai. In 1872 the company was renamed Mitsukawa Shokai, and in 1874 the company was once again renamed with the now familiar Mitsubishi Shoka. In 1885 the company merged with Kyodo Unyu Kaisha (founded 3 years prior), and the combined venture became Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha or N.Y.K. as it is known today.
The Mitsu Bishi Mail Steam Ship Company began Japan's first passenger line service in 1874 with its route between Yokohama and Shanghai. By 1899 service had been extended to London and over the next 50 years worldwide service was established.
The importance of this sailing schedule owes to its very early date. Officials at the company claim to be unaware of any survivals from this period. It also presents an interesting question regarding the evolution of the company's logo.
The original logo consisted of 3 oak leaves (Yamauchi family crest) and a 3-tiered water chestnut (Iwasaki family crest). In 1870 the 3-diamond mark was introduced for use on the ship flags of the Tsukumo Shokai line. The diamonds were thin and elongated. According to the company, the present design of 3 diamonds was registered in 1914 and these diamonds resemble those one might find on playing cards. What is curious about the sailing schedule offered here is that the diamonds exactly resemble those in common usage today and which were registered for use in 1914. Yet this use of the logo can be seen on a broadside issued 37 years before the official registration.