Lot 844

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Description:

ADMIRAL YAMAMOTO PRESENTATION SCROLL
ISOROKU YAMAMOTO (1884-1943) Japanese Marshal Admiral of the Navy and commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet during World War II. Infamously known as the architect for the attack on Pearl Harbor, after which it was discovered in his writings, the prophetic words 'I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.' He was also responsible for the attack on Midway, which only six months later, became the turning point for the war in the Pacific. Later American code breakers identified his flight plans, tracked him down with a squadron of Lockheed P-38 Lightning's. Killed when his was plane was shot down on the island of Bougainville. An incredible and rare printed copy of a scroll bearing a poem in Chinese written by Yamamoto himself featuring his official seals. The scroll is one sided, roughly 67 x 21.5 in., containing prophetic analogies, running in part to the effect of a declaration that the fate of his country hangs in the balance. It translates to the following in full: 'In this offensive war thousands of spirited and courageous officers, and men which cannot be matched, gave up their lives fighting bravely, and became the protecting God of our country. Ah- How can I face the Emperor, their buddies, or fathers and brothers. My body is not made of iron or rock, but my soul cannot be crushed. I shall pierce deep into the enemy, and I shall show the blood of Japanese youth. Oh! Wait, youth who have gone before me, the last struggle which I shall take with me, I shall fight an all out battle and soon follow those who have gone before me...Late September 1941...Yamamoto, Isoroku...stamps of 'Admiral Seal', and, 'Seal of Commander in Chief'...' Accompanying paperwork suggests the original scroll was presented by Yamamoto to fellow officer, and one of his closest friends, author Meguro-Masumi upon departure for his post. The copies were made in 1945 with only 60-80 being printed, while the original was destroyed immediately after peace was declared. There are so few of these in existence that it is classed as a treasure in Japan by anyone in possession of one. The text of the poem is written on a sheet and then mounted to the decorated scroll. Sheet partially peeling in some spots. Suspended by a silk tie bridle, with a lathe-turned and finished wooden dowel rod in the bottom pocket. Light toning, else very good and presentable. The scroll is written in ancient Chinese kanji as many Japanese intellectuals of the day prided themselves in practice. Admiral Yamamoto wrote several versions of this style of script poem, and presented the scrolls to various officers, all written in ancient Chinese script. He was also known to always carry a personal book of ancient Chinese and Japanese poems with him, until his death. Our consignor's father, George Strohmaier, a staff officer on MacArthur's staff during the occupation, received this scroll as a gift in 1947 from his Japanese counterpart, Mr. S. Fujii, who was working with the occupational forces. Included is a copy of his letter of explanation and gratitude, received by Mr. Strohmaier many years later, in 1983.

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December 8, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
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$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000