Saigō Takamori (Takanaga) (西鄕 隆盛 (隆永), 1828 – 1877) was one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration.  Historian Ivan Morris described him as “the quintessential hero of modern Japanese history” and this famous bronze statue of Saigō in hunting attire with his dog stands in Ueno Park. Made by Takamura Kōun, it was unveiled on December 18, 1898.  Saigō met British diplomat Ernest Satow in the 1860s, as recorded in the latter’s A Diplomat in Japan, and Satow was present at the unveiling as recorded in his diary.  This unused 1950s card is Grade: 1