A Book of Protection Crests

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[Japan, ca. late Edo to early Meiji period (1850-1870s)].

Semon ("back crests"), also known as semamori ("back-protectors" or "back amulets"), were designs sewn into children's kimono to prevent evil spirits from attacking them from behind or to prevent the soul from leaving the body. These two books feature a total of 76 designs hand-sewn through the paper with thread, with those in one of the books hand-captioned.

On double leaves, fukurotoji-style. Original wrappers with manuscript titles, worn, extremities bumped. Small wormhole to lower wrapper of one volume. Slight internal discolouration, marks, and light stains. 2 v. [10 (book pictured left); 17 (pictured right) leaves]. 8 x 15.1 (left); 10.1 x 15.3 (right) cm.

A Book of Protection Crests
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