1922 Large Presentation Gift Scroll From Admiral Nawa Matahachirō

The scroll is approximately 14-1/4 inches by 52-1/2 inches. It bears the statement “A gift to Mr. Imamizuno”. It has statements such as “Interesting, man, culture”, presumably describing the recipient of the scroll. Together with the Admiral’s signature, the scroll has a red seal which represents “Matahachir Navy Admiral” and a white seal for “Nawa Matahachirō His Seal”. The scroll is dated with the statement “Taisho Water-Dog Year [1922], a Day in the Beginning of Summer”. Admiral Matahachir was a member of a naval family. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1883 and he was commissioned a sub-lieutenant in 1888. He was a squad leader aboard the flagship Matsushima in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and he served on land during the Russian-Japanese War (1904-05). He was commander-in-chief of the Maizuru – Yokosuka Naval Bases. He was born in Tokyo as the son of Takehisa Hisazo , a samurai of the Obama domain, and was adopted by Nawa Shozan, also of the domain. He graduated from the Naval Academy ( 10th class ) in 1883 , and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1886. He served as squad leader of the Tsukuba , the protected cruiser Naniwa , and the Kaimon , and was section commander of the Matsushima during the Sino-Japanese War . He also served as an instructor at the Naval Academy and the executive officer of the Kongo , before becoming an adjutant to the Ministry of the Navy and secretary to the Minister of the Navy in 1899 , serving Minister Yamamoto Gonbei . In 1900 , he was appointed Executive Officer of the “Hatsuse” , and traveled to England to sail the ship. He subsequently served as staff officer of the Maizuru Naval District , head of the second section of the Personnel Bureau, captain of the Izumo , captain of the Itsukushima , captain of the Ikoma , staff officer (fourth squad chief) in the Naval General Staff, and was promoted to rear admiral in 1908. He also served as chief of staff of the Kure Naval District , commander of the 3rd Fleet , member of the Generals’ Council , chief of the Naval Education Headquarters , commander-in-chief of the 2nd Fleet , commander-in-chief of the Maizuru Naval District, and commander-in-chief of the Yokosuka Naval District . He was promoted to admiral in 1918 , military councilor in 1920 , and transferred to the reserves in 1923 . He passed away on January 12, 1928 (Showa 3) . He was 66 years old. His decorations included the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the Order of the Golden Kite, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

This listing includes a photograph of Admiral Matahachirō. A copy of the photograph is not included with the scroll. The scroll has been rolled and, while it shows subtle horizontal lines, it is without holes or damage and in overall excellent condition, making an impressive appearance.