Emperor Meiji Stamp Appraisal

Japanese 4 Sen Postage Stamp, Emperor Meiji

This is a vintage Japanese postage stamp, likely from the Meiji period (1868-1912), featuring a portrait of Emperor Meiji. The stamp is predominantly green in color and rectangular in shape, though its exact dimensions are not discernible from the provided image. The portrait of Emperor Meiji is centrally located, depicted from the chest up, facing slightly to the right of the viewer. His facial features are somewhat blurred due to the image quality, but he appears to be wearing a formal military-style uniform with high collar and epaulets. Above his head, a distinct chrysanthemum emblem, the imperial seal of Japan, is clearly visible, centered near the top edge of the stamp. Along the top, a Japanese inscription is present, but its precise characters are difficult to read. In the bottom left corner, the denomination '4' is clearly printed, indicating a value of 4 Sen. In the bottom right corner, there are also Japanese characters, likely denoting the value or other release information. The edges of the stamp appear perforated, typical of postage stamps. The overall condition seems consistent with an aged paper item, showing no obvious tears or major damage, but the image clarity prevents a definitive assessment of minor wear, creasing, or potential foxing. The printing quality appears to be standard for its era, with a monochromatic design using varying shades of green to create depth in the portrait. The design is indicative of a classic portrait-style stamp, emphasizing national leadership and sovereignty.