[RANJI] SMITH, BAKER & CO: - [A colour woodblock printed Ranji titled "Bird chop" for a large tea box for export]. Late Meiji era (ca 1890-1910).

. Size: 39 x 34.2 cm. Printed on very fine paper. A couple of tiny holes and some very minor creasing. A beautiful Ranji (tea box label) printed in stunning and delightful colours, apparently never been used. After Japan opened the ports to foreign trade in 1859 tea became one of the country's most important export products. At that time tea exporters started decorating the wooden tea boxes with this kind of multicoloured woodblock printed Ranji labels. The exquisite and colourful Ranji designs were made by Ukiyoe artists. Today they have become collectibles. At the end of 19th century the American-owned company Smith, Baker & Co (Yokohama and Kobe) was one of the largest shippers of tea export from Japan. According to the label the importer is J.M. Crouse & Son, Utila N.Y.

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