Japan – Scott # 1264

Description

Japan – Scott #1264 (Mint Never Hinged)

This striking Japanese commemorative stamp was issued in 1976 for International Letter Writing Week, featuring a moody, atmospheric design inspired by traditional Japanese ink painting. The image depicts a crow perched on a snow-covered branch, rendered in a restrained monochrome palette that emphasizes texture, contrast, and seasonal quiet.

Scott #1264 stands out among modern Japanese commemoratives for its strong artistic influence, drawing directly from sumi-e aesthetics rather than graphic or illustrative styles. The result is a contemplative image that aligns beautifully with the theme of letter writing, suggesting reflection, solitude, and the intimate nature of written correspondence.

With a 100-yen denomination, this stamp was intended for higher postal rates, adding an extra layer of interest for collectors of modern postal history. This example is mint never hinged (MNH), retaining full original gum with no evidence of mounting.

An excellent choice for collectors interested in Japan, modern art-inspired stamps, birds, seasonal imagery, or communication-themed issues.

Details:

• Country: Japan

• Scott Catalog Number: 1264

• Denomination: 100 yen

• Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH), full original gum

• Issue Year: 1976

• Color: Gray, black, white

• Theme: Letter writing, birds, art, communication