Ehon tatsu no miyako (Picture book of the dragon`s capital)

US$2,245.00

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[Ehon tatsu no miyako ("Picture book of the dragon's capital")]

[Saitō, Senzan (illustrated by)].

[Japan: publisher unidentified, ca. Meiwa period to An'ei period (1760-70s)?].

An early children's book on the Japanese version of the "Heart of the Monkey" legend, set in the underwater world of Princess Oto of the Dragon Palace. It seems that this story, possibly titled Ehon tatsu no miyako (not to be confused with the work of the same title illustrated by Kitao Shigemasa) was published around the 1760-70s as one volume and also around An'ei 8 (1779) as the second volume of a two-volume set titled Ehon ryūmon no taki ("Picture book of the Dragon Gate waterfall"). It is unclear which edition this copy is from. All of the characters have sea creatures, animals, or dragons resting on their heads, indicating to readers which figures represent which species. This copy is missing the last half-leaf and 2 cm of the left side of the last present page, but is nevertheless an extremely scarce example of an early children's book featuring anthropomorphic creatures, illustrated by the little-known artist Senzan.

One four-hole (yotsutoji) volume, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original upper wrapper worn, lacking mounted daisen panel. Soiling, occasional stains, a few ink marks, and marginal annotations and wormholes internally. Leaves 1-6 backed with washi paper. Lacking original lower wrapper, last half-leaf of text, and 2 cm of left edge of last present page. Light colour pigments applied by hand. 6 leaves + one half-leaf. 20.8 x 15.4 cm

Ehon tatsu no miyako (Picture book of the dragon`s capital)
Price: $2,245.00 (USD)