An Edo Period Woodblock Printed Book: date 1860

1860
7" x 4 3/4", 18 cm x 12 cm

This is a small and slender book of 8 double-sided pages richly illustrated with black-and-white woodblock prints with the first three illustrations done in duotone and on slightly heavier paper than the rest of the pages in the book.

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 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 with some worm holes and a bit of loss to a few pages, this book is a delight and a treat for the eyes and imagination.