HOW MUSA-SHIYAHOW the Shirtmaker BROKE into PRINT~1923 HAWAII Ilustrated Promo

Description

How Musa-shiya
The Shirtmaker
Broke into Print
Assisted by GEORGE MELLEN
First Edition Copyright 1922
Second Edition Copyright 1923
by George Mellen
This is a soft cover promotional bulletin, bound with two staples at the spine, in very good condition, 32 pages (14 text pages + as many graphic ad pages.)  Includes: TO WHOM CONCERNING, a FORWARD and HOW IT HAPPENED, measures approximately 4 1/2" x 6".
The wraps of this petite edition feature Musa-shiya’s classic Japanese man image on the cover. They are clean and straight, age toning is noted but no significant stains. The is a small chip on the lower edge of the front cover, a small brown spot and a name blind stamped at the upper edge.   “Brooks Preen Hotel-“ written on the rear wrap.
The interior reveals lightly toned contents with clean end papers front and rear. The corners are slightly bent but no particular creases.  Contents are clean and still firmly secured.
Musa-shiya Dry Goods, named after Japan’s Musashi Province opened in downtown Honolulu in 1896. This unassuming little booklet was the accomplishment of the original owner’s son, Koichiro Miyamoto. In a bold 1920s advertising effort that stemmed from their need to move a large fabric inventory in the River Street store, the assistance of Geroge Mellon Advertising was enlisted and rather than draft an upscale presentation, Musa-shiya’s local style of Pidgin-English and simple graphic illustrations were utilized. During the years that followed, much success was enjoyed as Musa-shiya became well known to not only Hawaii people but also internationally being credited in 1933 with creating the first “Aloha Shirt.” In the mid 1960s Musa-shiya moved to the Ala Moana Center focusing primarily on fabrics, including many fine silks and high end laces till the company’s decision to close in the early 2000s after nearly 110 years of business.  The store's final history is well documented online should you wish to learn more.
This little ad booklet went to print a number of times, but due to its fragility, few remain today although the memory of the upscale Musa-shiya Store at the Ala Moana Center is still much alive with older Hawaii residents. Commanding impressive prices when occasionally available this treasure of a bygone era would make a wonderful addition to a Pacific Island collection.
Mandarin Books Hawaii
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