Title: Ikkyu Gaikotsu (Ikkyu’s Skeletons), 18th Century. An Undated, Mid Edo Period, Illustrated Edition of Ikkyu Skeletons. Poetic Prose in the Style of the European Dance of Death
Author: Ikkyu Sojun
Condition: Very Good
An undated, Mid Edo Period, 18th century edition of Monk Ikkyu’s Gaikotsu, or Skeletons, a rather interesting mixture of poetry and prose, coming down from a now-lost manuscript he originally produced in the Kosho Era, of which is reference in the copied colophon.
The work describes a series of visions Ikkyu experienced upon visiting an abandoned temple, showcasing a series of visions of animated, lively skeletons. From the skeletons dancing, drumming, eating and drinking heavily, and even making love, Ikkyu had a rather energetic imagination, which only adds to his interesting history.
The following verse also showcases his rather, shall we say, mocking sense of humor:
If a stone
Can be the memento
Of the dead,
Then the tombstone
Would be better as a lavatory.
A Buddhist monk and poet of the Muromachi Period and 15th century, Ikkyu was a rather eccentric figure, infusing Japanese art and literature with Zen attitudes and ideals, and having written a number of works, among this one being the “Kuangyun Collection and a Continuation", "The Buddhist Demon Army", the "Zijie Collection", and "Ikkyu's Dharma Words".
This copy is rather interesting, and a little unusual as well, as it derives stylistically from the reprinted editions since the Genroku copies and later, lacking any printed borders, and the placement of some of the illustrations varying.
One volume in quarto (24.1 x 17.1 cm), 8 leaves
This volume is in very good shape, with some wear and minor staining to the binding. There is a minor worm track to the upper margin, with very minor text loss. The lower corners are dogeared.