Choren Hitori Keiko [A Self-Instruction Manual for Military Drills]

US$1,860.00

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Chōren Hitori Keiko [A Self-Instruction Manual for Military Drills]

[Utagawa, Yoshikazu (illustrated by)].

Edo [Tōkyō]: Iseya Shōnosuke, [1867?].

An illustrated manual of Western-style military drills, published amid Japan's growing interest in foreign military practices in the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate. The work first appeared in 1866, a turbulent year marked by the Second Chōshū Expedition and the shogunate's efforts to modernise its armed forces. The present edition, bearing an 1867 aratame-in, differs from the earlier edition in its format: whereas the 1866 edition was issued as an accordion-folded book (orihon), the present copy is in the traditional Japanese envelope-bound format (fukurotoji), with four-hole stitching (yotsumetoji). Although the illustrator is not named in this edition, the illustrations derive from those of Utagawa Yoshikazu (active ca. 1850–1870), a prolific ukiyo-e artist particularly noted for his Yokohama-e, woodblock prints depicting foreign residents, customs, and military personnel in Japan's newly opened treaty ports. An engaging visual record of the introduction of Western military techniques to Japan.

One four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Presumed non-original wrappers worn, lacking daisen title panel. Internal wear, occasional marks, and thumbing; wormholes to the final leaves, repaired. [16 leaves]. 17.8 x 11.6 cm.

Choren Hitori Keiko [A Self-Instruction Manual for Military Drills]
Price: $1,860.00 (USD)