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DescriptionThis is a rare set of two prewar Japanese lacquer trays connected with units of the Imperial Japanese Army.These are not simply decorative objects. Both trays preserve unit names, military symbolism, and references to the service of Japanese soldiers, making them interesting historical artifacts from the prewar and early wartime period.The larger rectangular tray is associated with the Imperial Japanese Army 57th Infantry Regiment.The 57th Infantry Regiment was based in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, and was commonly associated with the historic Sakura military garrison.The tray is decorated with the Japanese national flag, the flag of Manchukuo, chrysanthemums, a military cap, and a folding fan. Along the left side is the inscription:“57th Infantry Regiment”The fan also carries a short commemorative verse referring to military service in Manchuria and the soldier’s return home:“For the Emperor,
setting out for Manchuria,
I fulfilled my duty of defense,
and today I return home,
filled with joy.”The wording is especially interesting because it turns this tray into more than a simple military souvenir. It directly refers to a soldier being sent to Manchuria, completing his assigned duty, and returning safely to Japan.Based on the design and subject matter, this piece most likely dates from the late 1930s, around the period of Japanese military expansion in Manchuria and the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War.The second, square tray is associated with the 1st Imperial Guards Signal Regiment.Its design features Mount Fuji, military signal flags, utility poles, wires, and communication equipment, together with the unit inscription.The Imperial Guards were closely connected with the protection of the Emperor and the Imperial Palace. Signal units within the Guards were specialized military formations responsible for communications, making this an unusual subject compared with more commonly encountered infantry souvenirs.Together, the two trays represent two very different aspects of the prewar Japanese Army:the return of an infantry soldier from overseas service in Manchuria, and the specialized communications function of an Imperial Guards unit.These were not ordinary commercial souvenirs. They were made to commemorate specific units, military service, and personal experience.Approximate sizes:Rectangular tray: 30.0 × 21.0 × 3.0 cm
Square tray: 21.5 × 21.5 × 2.3 cmThere are scratches, surface wear, lacquer loss, and other signs of age. Please examine the photographs carefully for the condition.For collectors of Imperial Japanese Army memorabilia, Manchuria-related material, regimentally marked items, military communications history, or prewar Japanese lacquerware, this is a particularly evocative surviving set.Two quiet objects, but each still carries the story of the unit and the soldiers behind it.Own a Piece of History.Shipping
FedEx or Japan Post
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