Noshi Shinpon (New Book of Noshi)

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Noshi Shinpon ["New Book of Noshi"]

[Compiler unidentified].

[Japan, ca. early Meiji period (1870-90s)]. 

An album containing approximately 265 tipped-in examples of woodblock-printed noshi. Noshi are folded paper decorations designed to be affixed to wrapped gifts. In earlier times, noshi were strips of dried abalone (symbolising longevity) attached to gifts as lucky charms. The noshi in this album are in their original square format, ready to be folded and affixed to wrapped gifts, and feature animals, musical instruments, landscapes, flowers, foods, various countries' flags, and so on. The patterns, range of colours, and bokashi gradation suggest that considerable attention was paid to the designs of the compiled noshi. A fascinating collection of examples from an ephemeral, little-known, and now scarce form of woodblock printing.

One three-hole-bound (mitsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, sōyō/origami binding style. Original wrappers worn, title in manuscript, pencil note to left margin of upper, ex-ownership inscription to lower. Creases, wear, and light soiling internally. Occasional wormholes and small losses to extremities, not affecting noshi. Pencil note to last used page. Some noshi loosely inserted. Stain to last few (unused) leaves, not affecting noshi. [Unpaginated]. 14 x 19.1 cm.

Noshi Shinpon (New Book of Noshi)
Price: $1,680.00 (USD)