This postal card was sent within Japan, from Shimane Prefecture (島根縣 大原郡 藤屋村 – Fujiyamura, Ōhara District) to Kyoto City (京都市 新町通三條南 – South of Sanjō, Shinmachi Street). The sender and recipient are clearly indicated in traditional vertical Japanese script.
The postmark is fairly sharp, with some light wear, but the date is still clearly readable: July 13, Meiji 37, which corresponds to 1904 in the Western calendar. The cancellation also clearly shows Shimane as the posting location.
The handwriting on the card is in vertical cursive Japanese calligraphy, typical of the time, with brush-like strokes—possibly written with a brush pen. It’s formal yet personal, reflecting the etiquette and style used in respectful correspondence during the Meiji era.
The Meiji period (1868–1912) was a transformative era in Japanese history, marked by rapid modernization, westernization, and the establishment of a national postal system. In 1904, Japan was engaged in the Russo-Japanese War, a significant event that shaped national consciousness during this time.
The content of the message is a courteous and thoughtful reply, thanking the recipient for a previous letter, mentioning general well-being, and offering kind regards. It reflects either a business or personal relationship maintained through regular written correspondence.
The card bears a pre-printed 1½ sen stamp featuring the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest, a common postal stationery design of the period. The stamp was designed by Tomazo Saito, and the value indicates proper domestic postage.
In summary, this postal card is a beautifully preserved piece of Japanese Meiji-era postal history, showcasing the harmony of elegant script, formal language, and the efficient mail system of a rapidly modernizing nation.