Japanese Matchbox Labels #0125
The collector: Arnon Reisman, Economist at The Israel Electric Corporation, Nesher, Israel
The collection: Japanese Matchbox Labels
The story behind the collection...
As a child, I was infected by the collecting virus (or inherited it) from my grandfather, who was a devoted professional stamp collector. So, from my youth I was an ephemera enthusiast, and have been collecting many things, such as stamps (of course), bubblegum wrappers, Israeli notes (and coins), stickers, football cards and many other things made of paper.
When my parents began travelling around the world during the 70's, they brought home some hotel matchboxes and matchbooks, and I fell in love with them. I kept my little matchbox collection in a shoe box and added any item that I found. After I left my parents' home and got married, my little collection was left behind for many years at my parent's home.
Two years ago I met some other collectors via Facebook, and discovered that I was not alone in this world… I also understood that name of my hobby is Phillumeny, and that I am actually a Phillumenist. I decided to renew my old collection, and started to exchange matchboxes and matchbox labels with other phillumenists around the world. When I happened to exchange some labels with a Japanese collector that I met on Facebook, I discovered the wonderful and amazing world of the Japanese matchbox labels. My labels collection consists of approximately 2,000 pieces from many countries, including about 1,500 Japanese labels.
Among them I have some very special and unique items. Some of my favourites include; Trade Mark matchbox labels (circa 1875- up to present day), WW2 Japanese Propaganda labels, Japanese sets of labels (1940's-60's), Japanese advertisement labels (1920's-60's), Woodblock printed labels (1920's-1940's) and "Five-Colored Flag" used the national flag of the Republic of China from the inception of the Republic in 1912 until the demise of the warlord government in 1928.
I particularly like the Japanese art. Many Japanese labels are actually pieces of art, and I was captivated by their beauty and colors. The subjects appearing on the labels are of interest to me, and they made me expand my knowledge in Japanese mythology, folklore, history etc.
There are basically 2 types of labels – box size and packet size. The box size labels are the labels attached to each regular matchbox, whereas the packet size labels were attached to the outside wrapper of each pack of matchboxes consisting of about 12 matchboxes. The designs include many kind of traditional figures, animals, flowers, tools, human activities, sports, military weapons and themes, airplanes and ships, Chinese military subjects before the foundation of the Republic of China in 1912, Japanese WW2 propaganda etc.
Mainly I display my collection on my blog where I post photos of my items and other related information, but at home I keep the labels in stamps albums and the matchboxes in shoe boxes.
It is hard to describe my favorites label or designs, cause there are so many of them, but the military labels showing military weapons and themes, airplanes and ships, Chinese military subjects prior to the foundation of the Republic of China in 1912 and Japanese WW2 propaganda labels, are the most interesting, and are my favorites. There are many labels of these issues that are still missing from my collection, and I would really like to acquire them.
In my soul I am a collector, and objects made of paper attract me. My collection of Japanese matchbox labels reflects my love of art and beauty in design.
The trading aspect is very important to me as a means of expanding my collection, friends and knowledge. It provides a means for me to meet other collectors from all over the world, and to maintain interest and contacts regarding a hobby I love dearly. My blog and Facebook are my main points of contact.
Readers can join our Facebook's 'Redheads' group or find about the topic from my blog that consists of many postings and links to other collectors' websites, many photos, videos and articles related to the hobby.
You can view Arnon's Matchbox and Matchbox labels blog here
Images © Arnon Reisman and used with his kind permission
Monday, December 10, 2012
Reader Comments (3)
Hellow Sir:
I am amazed to know that collecting match boxes is known as Phillumeny. As a kid I got attracted to match boxes. I had a habit of reading every bit of the label and even the price. Once a guest brought back a match box from the Hotel where he stayed during his journey abroad. When he visited my house, he took it out to light his cigarette. I noticed the lean, longish size match box. The size really appealed to me. I offered him a different match box and asked him if I could keep his. He smiled an readily agreed. To affirm my position, I told him that I collect match boxes with the match sticks still inside. The interest to find match boxes issued by Hotels grew but I really don't have a large collection; just a few. I still have them kept in an air tight box. Whenever I chance to travel. One of the things I observe is the match box issue.
You do have a great collection. Hope we can talk match boxes often when we find one.
Hello
I have found two packages of wooden Crest impregnated safety matches made in Poland. Each package has 12 or so boxes of wooden matches, one package is open and missing one box. The box containing the matches is wooden as well and they appear to be 50 + years old. Could you help me find out more about these matches? I would gladly send you a photo of them and a box for your collection if you wish. I am not a collector just curious.
Wendy
Answer to Wendy -
Please send me the photos of the Polish matchboxes to my mail [email protected] , and I will try to help you.
Answer to Ahmed -
I like your story, and happy you liked my collection. If you wish, we can talk about our mutual collection. Send me a mail.