Admiral First Rank, Japan, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

This small card, printed by Allen & Ginter, shows the flag and an officer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Part of a series of Naval Flags, it was distributed with cigarette packs. These cards were part of a late 19th century craze for collecting and trading, a phenomenon that coincided with the rise of mass media and consumer culture. The visual codes of empire are on full display here. The flag, a powerful symbol of national identity, is paired with a portrait that exoticizes the figure of the Japanese admiral through caricature. This image reflects the social and political context of its time. In the late 19th century, Japan was rapidly modernizing and expanding its military power. It engaged in wars with China and Russia, and the West observed Japan with a mixture of fascination and apprehension. Understanding this card requires an interdisciplinary approach. We need to look at the history of tobacco advertising, the history of U.S.-Japanese relations, and the visual culture of imperialism. By exploring these avenues, we can understand the complex ways in which images shape our understanding of the world.