US$850.00 | ![]() |
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Bunmei Kaika Tōke Hyakunin Isshu ["The Advance of Civilisation: Child's Play, One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets"]
Fusō, Kan [selections by]; Seisei [Kawanabe], Kyōsai [illustrated by].
Shinsaibashi, [Ōsaka]: Itamiya Zenbē ... [and 12 others], [Meiji 6 (1873)].
A comical anthology of one hundred poems and illustrations on the social and technological changes faced by Japan in the Meiji period. While the title of the satirical work parodies the traditional Hyakunin Isshu ("one hundred poems by one hundred poets") anthology of Japanese waka poetry, the internal layout of the illustrations and text resembles that of Bakumatsu to early Meiji period dodoitsu zasshi. The lively and comical illustrations by Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831-1889) feature electricity poles, steam trains, characters in Western clothing (often drinking alcohol), Western ships and buildings, a hot air balloon, globes, a Western-style clock, and several other inventions from the West. The frontispiece features the author in Western clothing, pulling an amusing face. The author, Fusō Kan, provided the text for chapters 12-15 of Kanagaki Robun (1829-1894) and Kyōsai's Seiyō Dōchū Hizakurige: Bankoku Kōkai. No copies traced outside of Japan in OCLC.
One four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers lacking mounted daisen panel. Leaf extremities lightly browned, occasional small marks and creases internally. One inconspicuous hole to leaf 8, not affecting text or illustration. Light fold to leaf 14. [1], 25 leaves. 18.2 x 12 cm.