Giga hichō (Secret notebook of caricatures)

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Giga hichō ["Secret notebook of caricatures"]

Kimonoashi [preface (and illustrations?) by]. 

[Japan, preface dated Shōwa 7 (1932)]. Manuscript.

An album of twenty caricatures in pen and ink by an unidentified artist. The work includes a three-leaf preface dated Shōwa 7 (1932) in which political problems in Manchuria are described and the importance of humour in human social life is expounded. Each of the tipped-in caricatures, which presumably depict well-known figures of the period, is signed W.J. (or perhaps W.T.) and is accompanied by a satirical name and a caption presumed to be a quote or statement in the voice of the figure pictured. It seems possible that the reason the artist has not recorded their own name and the full names of those pictured is because he or she feared retribution. A skilfully penned album in a style evidently inspired by foreign artists, produced in the wake of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

One stab-bound (musubitoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original card boards lightly foxed and worn, with a few small stains. Light occasional foxing and marks internally. Prominent foxing to last portrait. Ex-ownership inscription to lower board verso. [3, 2, 10 unnumbered leaves]. 22.5 x 15 cm.

Giga hichō (Secret notebook of caricatures)
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