"Fiffi" -- c.1900 Novelty Japanese-Inspired Butterfly Postcard
N.pl: c.1900. A delicate novelty Japanese-inspired butterfly postcard produced for Americans c.1900, housed in the original printed envelope. The front of the envelope reads, "Best Regards in Flying Haste". Also includes an instructions sheet with small diagram: "Hold the body part of the Butterfly between two fingers of the left hand and turn with the first finger of the right hand ... until the rubber has obtained the necessary elasticity. Enclose the Fiffi in the envelope and upon opening, it will fly up in the air". This example appears to be lacking the "rubber" (a rubber band?). Interestingly, the illustration on the butterfly's wings is not Japanese at all, but an illustration of a Native American man in a feathered headdress. Measures approx. 3" by 5", made printed color-illustrated tissue paper secured around thin wooden frame with metal pin. Printed envelope and instructions sheet each measure approx. 4.75" by 6.5". Modern stamped label of modern reseller to instructions sheet ("S. Ishikawa, Japanese Fine Art" of Taunton, Massachusetts). Very good. Some wear, toning to envelope. Light wear to butterfly.
Price: $150.00
Item #25011906