Shinpō kyōji zukue (New method of illustrating crazy characters)

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Shinpō kyōji zukue ["New method of illustrating crazy characters"] 

Mantei, Ōga [text by]; Ichiryūsai [Utagawa], Hiroshige [illustrated by].

[Japan: publisher unidentified, ca. Kōka gannen (1844)]. 

A playful book of moji-e ("character-picture") illustrations by Utagawa Hiroshige accompanied by poems by Mantei Ōga. Moji-e are illustrations that feature Japanese characters (typically hiragana) 'hidden' in the lines that make up the illustration. Often the hidden characters will spell out the name of the object pictured. Ōga and Hiroshige's work features the first examples of henohenomoheji and hemamushi-nyūdō, two famously popular illustrations often scrawled in books, on walls, and on any other flat surfaces by Japanese children. It is seldom noted that the first part of this work describes other forms of play revolving around illustration and calligraphy, yet this is perhaps the most fascinating part of the book. Ekyōdai, nazouta, mitate hokku, donji, ebanashi, ehanji, ejiguchi, efumi, shichifukujin nanadōka, and enaoshi, all amusements that blend puzzles with illustrations and/or calligraphy, are exemplified by Hiroshige in this preliminary section. The title on the upper wrapper reads Kyōku edehon ("Manual of illustrating crazy poems").  

One four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Original wrappers soiled and worn, chips to extremities. Holes and ex-ownership inscriptions to lower. Ex-ownership inscription to upper wrapper verso also. Internal thumbing, light marks, soiling, and creases. Ink marks to illustration on leaf nine. Last text leaf and lower wrapper lifting from textblock. Small holes to last two text leaves. Housed in non-original custom slipcase. [1], 20 leaves. 17.8 x 12.3 cm. 

Shinpō kyōji zukue (New method of illustrating crazy characters)
Price: $2,180.00 (USD)