The Tale of a Lady Bandit

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Chobokure Chongare: Ōshū Kasamatsu Tōge Onna Tōzoku ["Chobokure Chongare: The Woman Bandit of the Kasamatsu Pass in Ōshū"]

[Author/s unidentified].

[Japan: Kanesen, ca. mid Edo period (1820-40s)?].

Part one of the chobokure edition of the story of Kijin no Omatsu, one of the "Three Greatest Bandits of Japan". In the chobokure version of the story, Omatsu, a young and beautiful female bandit, robs and kills unsuspecting travellers making their way through the Kasamatsu Pass in Ōshū. One day she helps the samurai Natsume Shirōsaburō, who repays her by carrying her across the river valley, at which point Omatsu stabs him to death (as pictured). Omatsu is later defeated by Shirōsaburō's son Sentarō. This edition published by Kanesen (or Kaneizumi?) probably capitalised off of the popularity of the Yoshidaya Shōkichi edition published in the Bunka period. Jōruri and kabuki plays were later based on the chongare version of the tale. Omatsu is believed to be fictional. 

Volume one only of two, on double leaves, fukurotoji style. Original wrappers bound in non-original outer wrappers. Browning, light stains to leaves. Faint stamps to lower wrapper. [4] leaves. 19.3 x 12.9 cm

The Tale of a Lady Bandit
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