Yaso Ichidai Benmōki (A Refutation of the Life of Jesus)

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Yaso Ichidai Benmōki ["A Refutation of the Life of Jesus"]

Tajima, Shōji [text by]; Sensai [Kobayashi], Eitaku [illustrated by].

Tōkyō: Izumiya Hanbē, Nintensha [printing blocks owned by], Meiji 7-8 [1874-1875].

A Japanese adaptation of Samuel G. Goodrich's pseudonymous Peter Parley’s Universal History, with a strong emphasis on Christian history. As the title would suggest, the author, Tajima Shōji (1852-1909), was strongly opposed to the claims of Christianity, and published several other anti-Christian works alongside the satirical journal articles he was better known for. In Kang Sung-kook (2018) it is shown that Tajima consulted Goshū Kiji (1871-1874), a Japanese translation of Peter Parley’s Universal History, in the creation of Yaso Ichidai Benmōki. The remarkable illustrations in the set, however, arguably outshine the text.

Eitaku's depictions of figures like Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and Mary in Yaso Ichidai Benmōki, one of the first woodblock-printed works he provided illustrations for, display a surprising sensitivity considering the tenor of Tajima's text. It is unclear whether Eitaku drew inspiration directly from Peter Parley’s Universal History, but he was certainly influenced by Kyōsai's illustrations for the six-volume Aesopica translation Tsūzoku Isoppu Monogatari (1872-1873), as can be observed from his depictions of foreigners and the subtle two-tone palette he used in many of the scenes. Tim Clark (2008) notes that the artist was "prolific and versatile" and that his "reputation in Japan is not yet as high as it should be" because "Japanese scholars have found it problematic to classify him". Eitaku is also known for illustrating several chirimen-bon (books printed on crepe paper) for Hasegawa Takejirō (1853-1936).

An interesting feature of the set is the unusual design on the hanshin (central fold on each leaf printed with the running title and page number) resembling a crucifix. Another highlight is undoubtedly the ponchi-style illustration of an angel. The work is often mistakenly believed to have been published in four volumes (instead of six). 

An elusive complete set of this translated work on Christianity and the life of Jesus, highly illustrated by an under-appreciated Meiji period artist. No full sets traced outside of Japan in OCLC.

Three parts in six four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original blind-embossed wrappers, re-sewn, lightly creased and worn, title to textblock foot, original mounted daisen panels present. Occasional light stains and small marks. Wormholes to leaves, ex-ownership stamps to pastedowns. 66 (first two volumes continuously paginated); [1], 31; 24, [1]; [1] 33; 40 leaves. First part volumes measure 22.9 x 15.5 cm; second part volumes measure 22.1 x 15.1 cm; third part volumes measure 22.5 x 15.2 cm.

❧Sung-kook, Kang. "A Study on Writing Intention of the Anti-Christian Work 'Yaso Itsidai Benmoki' in the Meiji Era and the Acceptance Style of the Original Sources". Journal of Japanese Studies 78 (2018), 157-180.

❧Clark, Timothy. "British Museum Collection: painting; handscroll, 2008,3033.1". December, 2008. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2008-3033-1.

Yaso Ichidai Benmōki (A Refutation of the Life of Jesus)
Price: $4,500.00 (USD)