Saisei (Record of the Prosperous Age)

US$2,860.00

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[Saisei ("[Record of] the Prosperous Age")]

Fūrai, Sanjin [text by]; Ukiyo, Kenbutsuzaemon [postscript by]. 

[Japan]: Tamaya Josan, Keiō Kinotoushi [1865].

An adaptation of the famed Yoshiwara Saiken guide to the pleasure quarters. Where the names of pleasure houses and courtesans would typically be listed, this work features the names (and rankings) of popular manufacturers, stores, craftspeople, and entertainers. Among the professions listed are ukiyo-e artists (Yoshitoshi, Kunisada, Hiroshige, etc.) and gesaku authors. Each speciality is discernible from the crest and first name listed in each section. A scarce adaptation of one of the most famed guidebooks, offering a wealth of detail about the prominence of certain manufacturers, actors, authors, publishers, and others in Bakumatsu era Tokyo.

One four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Presumed original wrappers lightly creased and marked, daisen lacking. Occasional thumbing, minor marks, and small wormholes internally. Light ex-ownership stamp to preface. Small stains to colophon and first few leaves. 29 leaves [actually 28, deliberately mis-paginated by the publisher]. 17.6 x 11.6 cm.

Saisei (Record of the Prosperous Age)
Price: $2,860.00 (USD)