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[UKIYOZO^SHI] Ejima Kiseki, author : Shinpan E-iri SEKEN MUSUKO KATAGI

[UKIYOZO^SHI] Ejima Kiseki, author. Shinpan E-iri SEKEN MUSUKO KATAGI. Kyo^to, Preface dated Sho^toku 5 [1715], 24.9 x 17.6 cm., stirng-bound, Japanese-style, fukuro-toji. Ejimaya. With a notice of the impending publication of the sequel SEKEN MUSUME KATAGI, so a very early printing, indeed, a fact born out by its printing quality. The SEKEN MUSUKO KATAGI (Tales of Worldly Youth) began a new genre of seriocomic fiction invented by Kiseki, generally considered the literary heir of Ihara Saikaku. As the 18th century wore on the classes and catagories of townfolk whose worldly attitudes were skewered expanded to include everyone from parents to priests. The genre concluded some 70 years later when the heights of absurdity were reached with SEKEN BAKEMONO KATAGI (Tales of Worldly Ghosts) and katagi-mono finally passed on. A very scarce and very important work. The illustrations are apt, skillfully done in a clever ukiyo-e style, depicting the typical townfolk of early 18th century Japan. Nishikawa Sukenobu illustrated most of Kiseki's work and his popularity guaranteed he was much copied by other artists. It is not clear as to whether he illustrated this classic as he is not credited for it but the work resembles early Sukenobu strongly. Overall this copy is in good impression and very good condition, with the original covers and title labels. Complete in a clasped chitsu case., Good

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