Cherry Blossom 6 sen violet brown, 1874

Japan · 1874 · 6 sen

This 1874 Japanese stamp features a central circular design with Japanese characters, surrounded by cherry blossoms in the corners and along the sides. Printed in violet brown on Western paper, it is notable for including a tiny katakana character for authentication, a practice later simplified.

Part of Japan's early stamp issues, this stamp is significant for its use of Western paper and the unique inclusion of a katakana character to guarantee issue numbers, reflecting early philatelic security measures.