Description:

Emperor Hirohito & Empress Nagako of Japan
n.p., ca. September 1971
Emperor Hirohito & Empress Nagako Signed Photo In Original Chrysanthemum Presentation Frame, Dating from Nixon-Era State Visit to Alaska, With Outstanding Provenance
Signed photograph
A lovely vintage photograph of Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) and Empress Nagako (1903-2000), signed by both in Japanese calligraphy at lower left and lower right respectively. N.d. but almost certainly dating from ca. late September 1971, during an unprecedented state visit to Anchorage, Alaska attended by 37th U.S. President Richard Nixon. N.p. The black and white matte finish photograph is housed within its original dark blue leather presentation frame accented by a gilt chrysanthemum, or "kiku," at the top. The photograph is near pristine. The frame exhibits expected wear such as isolated scuffs and scratches. The easel hinge is a little worn but still functional. The actual size of the photograph is 6.25" x 9.125" while the approximate size of the frame is 8.25" x 11.25" x 1.5."

Presentation photographs signed by Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako are extremely rare and highly valued, and those housed within original imperial-motif frames are even more desirable. A pair of imperial signed presentation photographs sold for nearly $10,000 (including the buyer's premium) at RR Auction in November 2020.

The imperial signed photograph comes with remarkable provenance from the Estate of Emil "Bus" Mosbacher (1922-1997), Nixon's Chief of Protocol between 1969-1972. Mosbacher had been instrumental in arranging the state visit of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako in the Fall of 1971 (this was the first-ever trip of a reigning Japanese monarch to a foreign country throughout the nation's 2,600-year history.) The imperial couple stopped over for a few hours in Anchorage, Alaska before continuing on to Europe. They were greeted at Elmendorf Air Force Base by President Nixon. The guests were serenaded by a band playing both national anthems, and listened to welcome speeches, while commemorative photographs and other gifts were exchanged. We do not know if this signed photograph was gifted at this time or if it was gifted soon after the visit.

We know that Mosbacher personally conversed with Emperor Hirohito from contemporary newspaper reports, such as the September 27, 1971 issue of the "Press-Telegram" from Long Beach, California. In Walter T. Ridder's article entitled "Historic Meet of Nixon, Hirohito was Low Key," the journalist specifically refers to the interaction between U.S. state officials - U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers, National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, and Chief of Protocol Emil Mosbacher - and the Japanese emperor (see accompanying scan for the full article.)

An estate sale of some of the personal belongings of Emil Mosbacher and his wife Patricia Mosbacher (1927-2009) took place in Greenwich, Connecticut, where this signed photograph was obtained. Accompanying the lot is a typed statement from estate sale buyer and Connecticut resident Paul DiMauro. In part: "This item was purchased by me from the estate of Emil and Patricia Mosbacher at an estate sale held at their home in Greenwich, Connecticut." A previous auction description also comes with this lot.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Provenance: Ex-Estate of Emil "Bus" Mosbacher, Nixon's Chief of Protocol.
  • Dimensions: 8.25" x 11.25" x 1.5"
  • Medium: Signed photograph

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000