Emperor of Japan, he acceded in 1926 and his reign was marked by rapid militarization and aggressive wars against China and the United States. WWII ending with the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki and Hiroshima and in 1946, he renounced his divinity in favor of a democratic constitutional monarchy. Rare vintage matte-finish 8.25 x 11.5 half-length portrait photo of Hirohito smartly dressed in a three piece suit and holding his hat, gloves and walking stick, signed in Japanese characters in fountain pen. Reverse of photo is stamped “Isabey, Paris,” and comes from the estate of French politician Marshal Philippe Petain. In fine condition, with some light foxing to lower border, lightly trimmed top and side borders and a few faint surface marks. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
