Chinshō Shinshi (New Magazine of Rare Laughs)

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Chinshō Shinshi ["New Magazine of Rare Laughs"]

Noda, Chiaki [Takashimaya, Tōu] [edited by]; [Kawanabe], Kyōsai [illustrated by].

Tōkyō: Kaichinsha, Meiji 11 [1878]. 

Issue two of the comical magazine Chinshō Shinshi, featuring a woodblock-printed upper wrapper in a toba-e style by Kyōsai. The illustration depicts the "Three Laughing Men at Tiger Brook" - the Chinese poet Tao Yuanming (365–427), Buddhist teacher Lushan Huiyuan (334–416), and Taoist Lu Xiujing (406–477). A total of eight issues were published; issue two records a few short stories and ritual (congratulatory) Shintō prayers from contributors to celebrate the publication of the magazine. The text is printed in movable type and features no illustrations internally. The editor, Noda Chiaki (Takashimaya Tōu), worked at the Kanagaki Shinbun, Yomiuri Shinbun, and Kanagaki Robun's Robun Chinpō. The publisher, Kaichinsha (presumably run by Noda), produced Robun Chinpō after the company name was changed to Kaikōsha. Elements of the work (especially the karitoji binding, number of leaves, and illustrated upper wrapper) resemble the Kyōsai-Ōga zasshi of the Meiji 6-8 (1873-5) period; the smaller (chūhon) size of the booklet, lack of internal illustrations, and movable type-printed text, however, are significant differences. No copies traced outside of Japan in OCLC.

Issue 2. One karitoji-bound volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers with light wear and publisher's stamps. Extremities of upper wrapper chipped. Previous binding holes present. Light continuous stain to lower opening corner of leaves. Browning and a few small marks internally. 9 leaves. 17.4 x 11.7 cm.

Chinshō Shinshi (New Magazine of Rare Laughs)
Price: $350.00 (USD)