Kanegura Sandaiki (Three Generations of Treasuries)

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Kanegura Sandaiki ["Three Generations of Treasuries"]

Hattori [Mantei], Ōga [text by]; Seisei [Kawanabe], Kyōsai [illustrated by]. 

Tōkyō: Kobayashi [Tsuruya] Kiemon ... [et al.], Meiji 7 [1874].

A set of three Kyōsai-Ōga zasshi issues, complete, about a family's economic struggles revolving around their pawnshop Iseya. The title of the moralistic work, which follows three generations of the family, parodies that of the famous Kamakura Sandaiki ("Three Generations of Kamakura Shoguns"). The kaisei-in (circular red seal typically depicting Kaisei, the god of literature) on the upper wrapper of the second issue includes the characters 万里必究 (an even stricter form of the more common phrase 千里必究, which means "[Those who make unauthorised copies of this work] will be chased down for one thousand leagues [and prosecuted]"). The same seal pictures a Western-style cherub (instead of Kaisei) similar to those found in other designs by Kyōsai. An advertisement in the back matter of the third issue notes that the issues were available for individual sale or bound together. This Kyōsai-Ōga zasshi is one of several jointly published by the well-known hanmoto Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkadō). No full sets traced outside of Japan in OCLC. 

Three karitoji-bound volumes, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Occasional creases and stains to leaves and original wrappers. Upper wrapper of issue 1 and verso of last text leaf of issue 3 somewhat soiled and creased. Kaisei-in to upper wrappers of issues 2 and 3. Light continuous stain to opening edge of issues 2 and 3. Small ex-ownership stamp to last text leaf of issue 2. Previous binding holes present. 8; 8; 8 leaves. 22.2 x 15.2 cm.

Kanegura Sandaiki (Three Generations of Treasuries)
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