Lithographed Tinplate Battleship Japan, circa 1905

Produced to celebrate Japan's victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. The Japanese admiral Togo employed a smaller but more modern fleet to outmaneuver and destroy the Russian fleet.  This boat is a rare and beautiful example of Japanese lithographed tinplate. Although lithography was used by manufacturers in Germany, the United States, Great Britain, and other centers of toy production, the Japanese style is distinctly different from all others. Simple deck details include fragile superstructure embellished with flowers, lifeboats, and ventilators which even decorate the twin funnels.  These elements are set off by a more staid band of blue and gold squares and rectangles. There is a string of American flags starting at the bow, arching over the deck, and terminating at the stern. The hull itself exemplifies the imagination of the early Japanese toymakers. It is decorated with gun turrets and anchors surrounded by a profusion of flowers which actually dominate the toy. The mix symbols, reality, and fantasy sets this small craft apart.  Fitted with spring wound mechanism.   



 



Length: 12 inches     

Featured in Toy Boats by Jacques Milet and Robert Forbes, p. 89

Some areas of light foxing. Both sides have been separated at solder joints and have temporary interior repairs.
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