Framed photographic portraits of the Showa Emperor and the Empress Nagako of Japan.
One of the more unusual lots at the timed online sale by South Dublin Auctions on August 30 is a pair of signed photographic portraits of the Showa Emperor Hirohito and the Empress Nagako of Japan. Each is hand signed by the emperor and empress in beautiful blue Imperial presentation leather frames. Handsigned items from Japanese monarchs are exceptionally rare as they were only gifted to heads of states or very senior diplomats. These are from the Dublin residence of David Neligan, former Irish ambassador to Japan and head of the Anglo-Irish section of the Department of Foreign Affairs for five years at the height of the Northern Troubles. Mr. Neligan died aged 90 in 2025. The portraits are estimated at €6,000-€12,000. UPDATE: THIS CLOSING BID WAS 2,400
