Incredible advertising poster is as good as they come. In fact, this is one of the finest Japanese baseball pieces we have handled. From one of the two original Japanese sporting good firms (along with Junkodo) "Mimatsu" opened their doors in 1882 in Tokyo. Predating Mizuno, they were the original Japanese distributors for Spalding. You can tell by the logo which is eerily similar to the classic, early Spalding logo. A small firm, hence the rarity is extraordinary and is quite miraculous that it survived. Graphics predate the 1930s baseball tours and "Base Ball" is two words versus one. Artwork is pure Arts & Crafts Movement, circa 1915-1920 in our best estimation.
This is unlike anything we have ever seen with wonderful use of primary colors, bordering on a stylized comic strip look. [The Yellow Kid never had it so good!] A somewhat crude, colorful elegance bespeaks its Japanese roots. Brass hanging bar is at both top and bottom and condition is incredible with a few minor defects. Measures 21x31.5".
Fresh to the hobby, this is the only specimen known. One for the most discriminating of collectors.