A Meiji Era Book of Customs: A Handbook for Women

dated Meiji 28 or 1895
11" x 7 1/2", 28 cm x 19 cm

This is an interesting artifact from old Japan, a rather thick book, 53 pages in all, dated to the Meiji era (1868-1912) and focusing on the customs of women.

Throughout the book are illustrations and pages of text: the illustrations show images of women getting their hair dressed, of weaving and dyeing, depictions of hairstyles, hair ornaments, hats and kimono, among others.

A fascinating glimpse into another time, this hand book is well-worn but still very intact, the pages, of course, yellowed from age, and the illustrations still very crisp, clear and informative.

Wonderful.