Title: Kaigai Yowa, 1855. Volumes 1,4-5
Artist: Suimu Chijin
Condition: Poor/Good
A partial scarce second edition of Chijin’s Kaigai Yowa, also known as Additional Stories from Overseas, regarding the First Opium War between China and Great Britain, comprising of volumes 1, 4, and 5, lacking volumes 2 and 3.
Just like Sadahide’s Kaigai Shinwa, and published only a year after the Convention of Kanagawa, this text reports the events that occurred in China and how a foreign power such as Great Britain was taking control of a neighboring Asian country. For a country that for centuries had very little foreign influence, the events of the Opium Wars proved to be a warning for the Shogunate and nation to protect themselves against potential similar circumstances. However, with Perry’s arrival, the Bakumatsu, and subsequent opening of Japan to the West would soon follow.
There are 8, 8, 8 pages of full-page woodblock illustrations, respectively.
Three volume in quarto, 19, 19, 18 leaves
On note of condition, these volumes are in varying shape, with rubbing and wear to the bindings. There is heavy worming throughout volume 1, with two illustrations slightly wormed at the top border. The other two volumes bear only minor worming throughout.