Daishō Koyori Te-asobi: Mukashi Arishi Jūnikagetsu (Hand-play with Big and Small Twisted Paper Strings: The Twelve Months of Olden Times)

US$160.00

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Daishō Koyori Te-asobi: Mukashi Arishi Jūnikagetsu [Hand-play with Big and Small Twisted Paper Strings: The Twelve Months of Olden Times]

Baiso [created by].

[Japan: publisher unidentified, ca. early Meiji period (1860-80s)?].

Popular in the Edo and Meiji periods, daishō goyomi were calendars that revealed through picture-puzzles which months in a year were long and which were short. The title of this work, Daishō Koyori Te-asobi, features a homophonic pun on daishō goyomi; rather than indicating through cryptic illustrations the long and short months of the year, this 'calendar' shows how to make symbols representing the different months from twisted paper strings (koyori). A previous owner has annotated the sheet with the answers (the month number represented by each symbol). For example, the human figure in the lower right is captioned ōmukashi no hiina ("an ancient doll") and identified by the ex-owner as a symbol of the third month (in which the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) is traditionally held). An unusual piece of ephemera by "Baiso".

One leaf, colour woodblock-printed on one side, complete. Wear, creases, ink marks, one small wormhole, large but light stains, and discolouration to print. Month numbers added by hand. Backed on black card. Ex-ownership notes to verso. 18 x 23.9 cm.

Daishō Koyori Te-asobi: Mukashi Arishi Jūnikagetsu (Hand-play with Big and Small Twisted Paper Strings: The Twelve Months of Olden Times)
Price: $160.00 (USD)