About this Item
Lot of 4 typed letters on Japanese rice paper each with a different color design and one envelope. Dated to 1926 and 1927. Two letters are complete and measure 7" x 42" and 7" x 35"; two are partial letters measuring 7" x 13" and 7" x 7". The letters are folded numerous times, have a few ink annotations by author and her signature is also in ink. The designs printed on the rice paper are still bright and depict scenery, floral and fruit images. The envelope was date stamped but it has been mostly torn away (a 1" x 1 ½" piece) along with any other stamps. Complete letters are fragile and have expected creasing and light toning. Partial letters are torn and missing a portion; the 7" x 7" letter is torn at the top and bottom of the letter; the 7" x 13" letter is torn at the top and has light dampstaining, affecting content. Along with being torn, the envelope has moderate soiling. Overall good. These pretty, unique letters were written by Bernice "Bee" N. K. (her last name was not mentioned), an American living in Tokyo, Japan to Harriette "Harry" Flint[?] of Albany, New York. Bernice's address is at the top of the complete letters, 50 Takata Oimatsu Cho, Koishikawa Ku, Tokyo, and are dated June 10th, 1926 and January 19th, 1927. It seems that Bernice lived in Tokyo for at least a few seasons likely working as part of missionary group and teaching English. She mentions her English class kids, an inter-collegiate English-speaking society meeting and that she has to write "duty letters of Mission interest." She seems to have led a charmed life. The content in most of her letters to "Harry" is about travels throughout Japan, the unwanted suitors chasing her ("I'm in one of my marriage-hating moods"), and house parties with her fellow Americans. She visits Mt. Fuji, the Boshu Peninsula, the Oo Islands (possibly the Okinawa Islands), Nishi, Atami, Eno Island; motorcycles around Nikko and Chuzenji with Bob, a suitor doesn't really like but who has a good job (poor Bob); and goes "hiking" along the Izu Peninsula ("hiking," we find , refers to travel by boat, motor and stagecoach). Other news of interest includes her wanting to spend time at an epileptic school on the Oo Islands, and a day of remembrance for the last Korean emperor. An amusing set of letters from an American abroad and typed on prettily decorated paper.
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