Chūrui Daigiron [The Insects' Great Debate]

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Chūrui Daigiron [The Insects' Great Debate]

Hattori [Mantei], Ōga [text by]; Seisei [Kawanabe], Kyōsai [illustrations by]. 

[Tōkyō]: Shōsetsusha Shorin, Yamazakiya Seishichi ... [et al.], Meiji 7 [1874]. 

In this collaboration between the artist Kawanabe Kyōsai and writer Mantei Ōga, the Dragon King issues a wooden placard ordering the insects of his domain to rank their own value, stating that, depending on the results, they will be categorised into "low", "middle", or "high" beings. Although there are many genuinely helpful insects, like silkworms, it becomes clear that many are unskilled. Kyōsai's anthropomorphic creatures make Ōga's analogy with human society painfully obvious. The zasshi is one of numerous early Meiji Ōga-Kyōsai collaborations that reflect Ōga's conservative views and rely heavily on Kyōsai's dynamic illustrations for humour. Although the work identifies itself as the "first issue", no other issues are known to have been published. The back matter includes a list advertising works by Ōga, several of which were never published.

One karitoji-bound volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original upper wrapper lightly worn and with kaisei-in seal. Previous binding holes present. Light wear, small marks, and creases internally. 8 leaves. 22.2 x 15.2 cm. 

❧ Oikawa, Shigeru and Seiichi Yamaguchi. "Kawanabe Kyōsai Sashiebon no Shomoku narabini Kaidai: Ge, Kyōsai no Sashie to Dezain". Museum 396 (1984), 18-26.

Chūrui Daigiron [The Insects' Great Debate]
Price: $1,750.00 (USD)