Ujō Zatsuwa: Yume no Megane (Chitchat of Sentient Beings: The Glasses of Dreams)

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Ujō Zatsuwa: Yume no Megane ["Chitchat of Sentient Beings: The Glasses of Dreams"]

Hyōhyōtei, Sennari [text by]; Utagawa, Yoshitora [illustrated by].

[Japan: publisher unidentified], Kaei 6 [1853]. 

A playful gōkan inspired by Santō Kyōden's Harasuji Ōmuseki (1830-40s), Ujō Zatsuwa is a collaboration by the little-known kyōka and gesaku author Hyōhyōtei Sennari (? - 1886) and the artist Utagawa Yoshitora (1836-1880). The book contains illustrations of humans who, in their clothing, stances, facial expressions, and hairstyles, resemble birds, fish, mammals, and insects. The comical figures, which are reminiscent of those in the hyakkamono tradition, are accompanied by descriptions of their characteristics and a comment in the first person. Although the volume is presented as the "first series" (two parts bound in one), no later series were published. A surprisingly scarce gōkan of humorous zoomorphic figures, in nice condition. The title is sometimes romanised as Ujō Zōwa. 

Two parts ("first series") bound in one four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Non-original wrappers lightly worn, creased, and marked, title in brush and ink to upper. Ex-ownership seal to first text page, inscriptions to lower pastedown. Light thumbing and occasional minor marks internally. Small tears to two pages, one repaired. 20 leaves, continuously paginated. 18 x 12 cm.

Ujō Zatsuwa: Yume no Megane (Chitchat of Sentient Beings: The Glasses of Dreams)
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