Photo album containing 80 ship postcards
Maker
NYK Line
(Japanese, founded 1885)
Date1909 - 1942
Object numberANMS1401[069]
NamePostcard
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 90 x 140 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bonnie Bush
DescriptionFrom an album of postcards of passenger liners.HistoryNippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Lines was formed in 1885 and operated services between Japan, Britain, South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and North America. Much of the NYK fleet was destroyed or confiscated during World War II. The company is one of the largest shipping lines in the world and operates both passenger and container ships. Represented in this collection is KITANO MARU (built 1909, mined and sunk 1942).
SignificanceShip postcards have always been cherished mementos of a long sea voyage. This substantial collection of postcards covers a wide range of 20th century passenger and cargo vessels from various British, Australian, American, Japanese and New Zealand shipping lines. The postcards have great historic and aesthetic interest, with the vessels pictured in locations around the world including Sydney, South Africa, New York, Panama and San Francisco. The collection of Cunard watercolour postcards has particular aesthetic appeal.
