1910s Japanese Gateway London England Vintage Art Postcard, Kew Gardens
About This Vintage Postcard
Step into the tranquil beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with this serene artistic view of the Japanese Gateway. Known as the Chokushi-Mon, or "Gateway of the Imperial Messenger," this structure is a four-fifths scale replica of the Karamon at Nishi Hongan-ji in Kyoto. It was originally created for the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition and moved to this site at Kew in 1911. The scene depicts the intricate wooden architecture nestled among towering cedars and flowering shrubbery, capturing the harmonious blend of Eastern design and Western landscape. This card serves as a beautiful record of Kew's multicultural heritage and early 20th-century garden design.
Details
Era: Divided Back (c. 1911–1916)
City: Richmond, London
State or Region: Greater London
Country: England
Topic: Kew Gardens, Japanese Gateway, Chokushi-Mon, Botanical Gardens, London Landmarks, Japanese Architecture, Salmon Series
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: C. T. Howard
Publisher: J. Salmon Ltd., Sevenoaks, England
Printer: J. Salmon Ltd. (Salmon Series)
Print Type: Lithograph
Additional Information
This postcard is part of the Salmon Series, published by J. Salmon Ltd. and identified by series number *1772. Based on the low series number and the "Printed Matter" postal instructions on the reverse, this card can be narrowly dated to approximately 1911–1916. The artwork is from an original watercolor drawing by C. T. Howard, a prolific artist for Salmon known for his detailed botanical and architectural studies. The Chokushi-Mon remains one of Kew's most popular attractions; its intricate carvings tell legends of ancient Japan, such as the story of the ancient Chinese hermit who washed his ears in a waterfall to cleanse them of worldly news. This uncirculated card preserves the gateway as it appeared shortly after its historic installation in the gardens.
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