An Edo Period Woodblock Printed Book: 1850

1850
when closed: 7" x 4 1/2", 18 cm x 11.5 cm
10 pages

This is a small and slender book of 10 double-sided pages richly illustrated with black-and-white woodblock prints.

The book is so slender that it feels almost like a pamphlet in the hand due to its size and relatively light weight.

The book's abraded-by-time front cover is printed in lavishly detailed colors while the back cover is of one tone. 

The binding is still intact and is done with cotton thread.

This book is a joy to behold and is a treasure to page through: the exuberance of daily life--and there are many illustrations which picture this--in Japan's Edo period is enlivened through the black-and-white illustrations and text of this small-scale but meticulously illustrated story book.

Pay special attention to the garb worn by the people shown here. So much clashing pattern, so many plaids, such inspiring mixes of designs which create one costume.

In used condition, this book is a delight and a treat for the eyes and imagination.