The early decades of the twentieth century brought about rapid transformations to countries across the globe. Japan was no exception as it morphed from an agricultural economy to an international industrial power following the Meiji Restoration and Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).
Out of this growth, postcards became a cultural and artistic phenomenon. They became not only a means of communication, but also an avenue for advertising and a medium for artistic expression.
Below are 40 postcards from this era where Japanese artists experimented with the latest Western movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
