Japan, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of the Japanese flag was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia, as part of a series. The series included flags of all nations. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, and the Japanese flag appears alongside other national symbols, presented as collectible items driving sales of the brand. It is worth noting that the piece was made during a time when the concept of nationhood and national identity were gaining prominence. The late 19th century was also an era of increasing global trade and imperialism, with companies like Allen & Ginter playing a role in shaping and profiting from these global interactions. To better understand this image, we can research the history of Allen & Ginter, consumer culture, and the rise of nationalism during the late 19th century. In doing so, we realize that even a small, seemingly innocuous item like a cigarette card, can reveal a great deal about the social and economic forces that shape art and culture.