US$305.00 | ![]() |
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Shinpan Irozato Ken'uta Ukarebushi ["Red-light District Fist-songs, Newly Published"]
[Author/s unidentified].
Ryōgoku, [Tōkyō]: Azumaya Denzō, [ca. late Edo period (1830-50s)?].
Judging from the title and wrapper illustration, the content of this utahon is either humorous or humorous and risqué. According to Matthew Shores in A Critical Study of Kamigata Rakugo and its Traditions (p. 282), ukare-bushi, a word that appears in the title, is the Kansai term for what is now more commonly known in Kantō as naniwa-bushi, and "has roots in kojōruri 古浄瑠璃, sekkyōbushi 説教節, and saimongatari 祭文語り". Ken'uta ("fist-songs" or "hand-game songs") were songs of the Edo period performed with hand movements (like the classic "mashed potato", but ostensibly more nuanced). Janken, still popular today, may be considered a ken'uta.
Two volumes bound in one, presumed complete, on double leaves, fukurotoji style. Original wrappers, worn and chipped, spine creased. Wormholes and light stains internally. Leaves backed with washi paper. [5] leaves, including wrappers. 16.5 x 12.5 cm.