Profusely illustrated rare woodblock colour encyclopaedia/dictionary of all things Japanese. Illustrated beautifully by the eminent period Ukiyo-e artist Chikanobu with an array of fascinating objects from mid-19th century Meiji period Japanese life. Also a useful language dictionary to both English and Japanese native speakers showing both English and Japanese words in Romaji, Kanji or Kana with the English translation for many of the articles illustrated. The tables of contents lists the subjects as The Figure of Female Hair (60 different styles illustrated), Common Trademarks (176), Japanese Hat and Cap (94), Hair-tool of Women, Hair-pins & Combs (53), Japanese Female Cothing (24), The Amusement of Boys (36), of Girls (16), of Both (60), The Words of Children, Japanese Exhibitions (32), The Kind of Beggar (48) and The Names of Cake. All illustrations coloured.
DESCRIPTION:In very good condition. In the original publisher’s stitched Japanese style binding held in place with thread to top only. Title slip on front cover in Japanese and English reads, ‘Ancient and Modern Various Usages of Tokio IVO’. Wrappers faded, scuffed, ink marked and lightly stained but sound. Red title page remains vibrant with some chipping and minor loss to edges and reads ‘Sold by Tokio YTR Morito, 1885, No.34 Muramatsucho’. A tissue guard protects a marvellous woodblock print of a mother and children. Leaves throughout age toned as expected, a few leaves stained to top edges not affecting illustrations but otherwise very clean. No worming. 125 pp. of double folded leaves. 1 small illustration has been neatly cut out from the ‘Kind of Beggar’ section but otherwise collated and complete. A charming, valuable and vibrant example of Japanese woodblock printing.
