Title: Shiranui Monogatari (The Tale of Shiranui), 1849-1875. 94 of 124 Volumes, bound into 24 Compiled Books. 94 Beautifully Hand Colored Ukiyo-E Woodblock Illustrations, and 1800 Woodblock Illustrations Throughout
Author: Rykatei Tanekazu; Illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada, Ryutei Tanehiko, Utagawa Kunisada II, Utagawa Yoshiiku
Publisher: Edo, Hirokaya
Condition: Very Good
A substantially complete, Late Edo to Early Meiji, 19th century collection edition of Tanekazu’s Shiranui Monogatari, also known as the Tale of Shiranui.
The Tale is an old Japanese story from the Edo period, based on a performance of Shiranui Monogatari at the Kawarazaki Theater in the 6th year of the Kaei Era, featuring elements of myth, history, and supernatural. Shiranui, which translates as "phosphorescent lights" or "mysterious lights on water," is also associated with real-world atmospheric phenomena observed in Japan. The tale weaves various themes, such as samurai honor, revenge, and loyalty, often with supernatural overtones.
This work is profusely and beautifully illustrated throughout, with countless woodcuts interweaving in between the text, or proudly taking up the entirety of the page, and at times being double page spreads, and more. Several noted ukiyo-e artists have contributed to the illustration of this series, being Utagawa Kunisada, Ryutei Tanehiko, Utagawa Kunisada II, and Utagawa Yoshiiku.
All told, there are 94 beautifully hand colored ukiyo-e prints bound in, which would have served as the original covers to each volume. And then beyond that, is a tremendous quantity of woodblock illustrations within the volumes themselves, numbering 1800 illustrations total.
From the facial depictions of each character to the detail of their kimono or armor, every singly woodblock illustration is a display of passion and effort from the artists. There are scenes of everyday life, in the courts, romance and intrigue in the halls of various pleasure quarters, ferocious battles, and even spiritual figures, both mysterious and ghastly. As the tale has supernatural undertones, it is no surprise to see several illustrations of yokai such as a Bakeneko, a wailing yurei, and even the fiendish Jorōgumo.
Of the 124 volumes, segmented into 61 books, books 1-2, 17-24, 28, 30, 41-42 are lacking. Still, a substantial and magnificently illustrated set of The Tale of Shiranui, and to find a complete set is an incredibly rare sight.
As a special bonus, upon the completion of the work’s publication, it appears that this set was then largely rebound, with two volumes bound into one booklet, and then two booklets further rebound into a compiled book of four volumes, all with decorative covers. Only one booklet of two volumes was exempt from this, or the other booklet is presumed lost. Not only that, but the original wraps including the ukiyo-e print covers have been neatly reorganized and bound in, keeping them nice and fresh. The original rear covers are also nicely hand colored.
94 volumes, in 47 ezoshi booklets (17.6 x 11.8), further rebound into 23 compiled books, and 1 single booklet of two volumes
These volumes are in very good shape, with some rubbing and wear to the later covers, and one rear cover lacking to a booklet. Many of the lower page corners, and some of the upper margins have some soiling and wear, and a handful of leaves have been dogeared or slightly crumpled. There is minor scattered staining to some pages, and a few sheets of washi are slightly split. Two of the compiled books have a small worm track to half the book, affecting some text and illustrations, and another compiled book has a small wormhole to several leaves. There is one leaf with a small tear. A few title labels are missing, and one has fallen off.