“Meiko Kaji” (梶芽衣子) Gallery ELLE original issue Japanese promotional portrait poster, 1974 — (approx. 91.5 × 62 cm)
“Meiko Kaji” (梶芽衣子)
Original issue Japanese Gallery ELLE large-format promotional portrait poster, 1974 — unrestored, excellent / close-to-near-mint condition
Ultra-rare, large-format Japanese Gallery ELLE portrait poster featuring 梶芽衣子 (Meiko Kaji) in one of her most iconic 1970s studio images—cool, controlled intensity with fashion-forward styling and a minimal graphic backdrop. This is not a standard theatrical film poster; it’s a standalone decorative “pin-up / art” poster from the Gallery ELLE series, produced for display and collected for its striking visual presence.
The margin text visible in the photos includes the original imprint and date: “©1974 GALLERY ELLE LTD.” (with Tokyo address/phone), plus the series/catalogue number “E90” and her name 「梶芽衣子」—key authenticity details collectors look for.
Details
• Subject: 梶芽衣子 (Kaji Meiko / Meiko Kaji) — Japanese actress & singer
• Poster type: Japanese promotional portrait / decorative “art” poster (Gallery ELLE series)
• Publisher / imprint (as printed): ©1974 GALLERY ELLE LTD. (with Shugetsu Building address, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
• Series / catalogue number (as printed): E90
• Approx. size: 36.0 × 24.4 in (approx. 91.5 × 62.0 cm)
• Size context: Wider than standard Japanese B2 (515 × 728 mm) and approaching the “large poster” feel of B1 (728 × 1030 mm)—a big reason these present so dramatically on the wall.
• Paper / stock: Gallery ELLE poster is printed on thick, silk-textured art paper.
• Condition: Excellent / close to near mint. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
Context
What is Gallery ELLE?
Gallery ELLE is best understood as a 1970s Japan-made line of high-quality, large-format display posters—often featuring portraits and visually striking “wall art” imagery, printed with the Gallery ELLE Ltd. credit line and catalogue numbering.
Magazine-era ELLE connection (background):
Japan’s fashion-media landscape changed in 1970 with the launch of “AnAn/ELLE Japon” (an・an ELLE JAPON) as a Japan–ELLE collaboration—helping establish “ELLE” as a modern, fashion-forward cultural marker in Japan at exactly the moment these kinds of display-oriented images took off.
Meiko Kaji
Meiko Kaji is one of 1970s Japanese cinema’s defining cult icons—an actress and singer whose most famous roles include the Stray Cat Rock (野良猫ロック) series, Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion (女囚さそり), and Lady Snowblood (修羅雪姫), with her music and screen persona remaining hugely collectible worldwide.
The poster
A masterclass in “cool icon” 1970s portrait minimalism—built for maximum wall impact at Gallery ELLE scale:
• Bold green field background with tons of clean negative space
• Iconic leaning/crouched pose with a direct, unblinking gaze
• Long, glossy raven-black hair—signature Kaji silhouette
• Understated fashion styling (textured trousers, tailored top) with sunglasses in hand
• Bottom-margin authenticity markers: ©1974 GALLERY ELLE LTD. + E90 + 梶芽衣子
Rarity and survival
Gallery ELLE posters were made as display pieces—large, visually strong, and meant to be hung—so many were exposed to edge wear, pinholes, sunlight, and handling. High-grade survivors are scarce, and demand is especially strong for Meiko Kaji imagery from this era.
Condition
Unrestored example with excellent overall eye appeal and a close-to-near-mint presentation. Any minor age/handling evidence should be evaluated from the photos (they are the definitive reference for edges, corners, and verso).
It is over 50 years old!
