Ehon Kinsei Nihon Nenkei

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Tsuchiya, Ikunosuke [Sudō, Nansui] [edited by]; Ichiōsai [Utagawa], Kunimatsu [illustrated by].

Tōkyō : Shimizu Kahē, [publishing permission received in Meiji 16 (1883)]. First edition.

A charming accordion-folding chronology of important events in Japan from 1844 to 1882, highly illustrated with delicate copperplate-engraved vignettes. The delightful little work was edited by Tsuchiya Ikunosuke (1857-1920, better known as Sudō Nansui), a novelist and reporter who worked for numerous newpapers and magazines during the Meiji period. This particular book by Ikunosuke has been illustrated with 26 vignettes and two double-page scenes by Ichiōsai Kunimatsu, better known as Utagawa Kunimatsu. Kunimatsu (1855-1944) was a pupil of Utagawa Kunitsuru and Toyoharu Kunichika, and is recorded as having studied lithographic methods under Austrian artist and printer Ottoman Smolik, who came to Japan in 1875. Kunimatsu’s illustrations for this text draw on the events listed in the chronology, many of which relate to incidents concerning foreign countries.

The chronology, based on both political and sensational incidents, is quite international, and frequent mentions of America, England, Russia, the Netherlands, and Sakhalin appear in the text. The book starts with a record of the arrival of the Dutch ambassador in Nagasaki in 1844 and his advice to open the country to trade. It continues with records of castaways from foreign countries arriving on Japanese shores, treaties signed with various countries, the reported murder of two foreigners in the famous Tōzenji Incident, Perry’s arrival, Prince Alfred’s arrival, the opening of the Japanese railway, outbreaks of cholera, the arrival of Prince Arthur and Prince George, and so on.

A brief history of mid to late 19th century Japan emphasising foreign encounters and incidents, complete in its original colour woodblock-printed fukuro envelope.

Original orihon accordion-folding binding, in original blind embossed wrappers. Original title slip present. Extremely minor occasional marks to text and illustrations. Faint sticker removal and neat ex-ownership inscription to colophon. Comes in very lightly discoloured original book-envelope. Overall near fine to fine. 1 v., complete. [Unpaginated]. 17.8 x 11.5 cm. Text in Japanese.

Ehon Kinsei Nihon Nenkei
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