Antique Government Notice Board – Fourth Notice of The Five Proclamations Issued by the Dajokan - Plaque - (五榜の掲示 第四札 覺)

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This is an original wooden notice board from Keio 4 (1868), corresponding to the Fourth Notice of the historic “Five Public Notices” issued nationwide by the newly established Meiji government. This board bears the heading 覺, indicating that it is one of the temporary proclamations (the Fourth and Fifth Notice), issued to address urgent matters during Japan’s political transition.

On 15 March 1868, the Dajokan—the highest governing authority of the new government—ordered all previous notice boards of the Tokugawa shogunate and domainal governments to be removed and replaced with a new set of five proclamations. These are collectively known as the “Five Public Proclamations.”

The Fourth Notice declared that relations with foreign nations must be conducted according to international law, and strictly prohibited violence, injury, or harmful acts toward foreigners. Unlike the first three placards, which were permanent regulations, the Fourth and Fifth Notice were temporary edicts intended to curb anti-foreign violence that had persisted since the late Edo period.

This board is a rare surviving example of one of the most significant governmental proclamations of the Meiji Restoration, marking Japan’s shift toward a modern diplomatic and legal framework.

There is wear consistent with age, including surface abrasions, stains, patina, numerous cracks, and small chips. There is an adhesive repair trace along the upper section, and the metal parts show rust. The hanging chains are not original and were added later. The inscription remains clear and legible, and despite minor blemishes, the board is preserved in good antique condition. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 44.5 cm W 121 cm D 5.8 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!