Antique c1900 Hand Painted Watercolor Postcard Anthropomorphic Rat Gentleman UPU

Original antique hand-painted watercolor postcard, dating to approximately c.1900–1905, featuring a humorous anthropomorphic rat or mouse gentleman dressed in formal Western clothing.

The figure wears a tall top hat, jacket and waistcoat, smokes a pipe, carries a walking cane, and holds a card or envelope in one hand. The scene has a whimsical satirical quality typical of turn-of-the-century illustrated ephemera.

The artwork appears to be individually painted by hand in watercolor, including both the linework and muted color washes. The brushwork, irregular outlines, and translucent pigments give the piece the character of a small original painting rather than a standard commercially printed postcard.

The reverse is printed Union Postale Universelle / CARTE POSTALE with an early undivided postcard back, supporting a date around the beginning of the 20th century.

Details:

• 
  Type: Antique illustrated postcard
  
• 
  Technique: Original hand-painted watercolor
  
• 
  Approx. date: c.1900–1905
  
• 
  Subject: Anthropomorphic rat / mouse gentleman
  
• 
  Theme: Humor / satire / animal personification
  
• 
  Clothing: Top hat, formal suit, waistcoat
  
• 
  Accessories: Pipe, cane, letter/card
  
• 
  Reverse: Early Union Postale Universelle / Carte Postale
  
• 
  Postage condition: Unposted
  
• 
  Original period artwork
  

Condition:
Antique condition with age-related toning, light surface wear, minor spotting and fading consistent with age. The watercolor remains attractive and the unusual textured paper surface is well preserved. Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.

Shipping: Free Worldwide Shipping from Japan.