Chrysanthemum Crest and Paulownia Crest

Japan · 1888 · 5 Sen

This definitive stamp features the Imperial Seal of Japan, a 16-petal chrysanthemum, at its center. It is flanked by two stylized Paulownia crests, another significant symbol associated with the Japanese government and imperial family. The denomination '5 SEN' is inscribed at the bottom, with Japanese characters for 'Imperial Japanese Post' at the top.

Issued during the Meiji era, this series replaced the earlier Koban designs and represented a modernization of Japan's postal system. The use of the Chrysanthemum crest prominently asserted imperial authority on official government items like postage.