This is revenues on silkworm eggs "sanshu menkyo inshi" from 1872 to1876.This was the first type of revenues stamps used in Japan. In the frame are half circles with a cherry blossom in each corner. The chrysanthemum symbol is found in the upper part. Two twigs of mulberry is found around the text. The silkworm eats the mulberry leaves. The 1872 has a year given in the moon calender. The revenues from 1873 and later have year number in the text - for instance Meiji 6 as 1873.

From left 5 sen from 1872, 10 sen from 1873, 10 sen from 1874.

From left 5 sen from 1872. 10 sen from 1873. 10 sen from 1874. 6 sen from 1877

The revenues are found with different perforations from 8 to10.5 and imperforate. The revenue from 1872 is black. The revenue from 1873 is gray for domestic use and green for export use.The revenue from 1874 is gray or yellow green for domestic use and black for export use. The revenues from 1875 and 1876 are gray for domestic use and yellow for export.

From left 6 sen 1875 and a 1872 5 sen wth full cancel on part of package.

This is revenue on raw silk from 1873 to1877. The revenue is on a long band that is wound around the silk. Most of the band has been cut off.

Shimomura 2003 page 1-4

Fukuya 2011 page 9-15