仙果（senka）/ 歌川国貞（Utagawa Kunisada) - 明鴉 "Akegarasu" (The Dawn Crow) - 1786-1865

Ehon (Illustrated Woodblock Book) – "Akegarasu" (The Dawn Crow) – Edo Period – by Senka (Author), Illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada

Description
A rare Edo-period ehon (illustrated woodblock-printed book), titled "Akegarasu" (明鴉), meaning “The Dawn Crow”—a poetic symbol in Japanese culture for the end of a romantic night, often associated with heartbreak or the fading of intimacy.

Written by Senka (仙果) and illustrated by the famous ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞), this work belongs to the genre of kibyōshi or gesaku—popular Edo-period illustrated fiction combining narrative and bold visual storytelling.

This volume portrays a dramatic romantic entanglement between a man and woman, told through expressive dialogue and vivid woodblock illustrations. It reflects the refined yet turbulent emotions of the Edo townspeople, rendered in the popular manga-like format of the period.

Despite age-related wear—such as staining, discoloration, and slight tearing—the artwork remains striking. A valuable item for collectors of Japanese antique books, woodblock prints, and Edo-period culture.

Details (仕様)

Title: 明鴉 (Akegarasu – “The Dawn Crow”)

Author: Senka (仙果)

Illustrator: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞)

Period: Edo Period (likely late Edo, mid-19th century)

Theme: Romantic entanglement / symbolic heartbreak

Technique: Woodblock printing on washi paper

Dimensions: Approx. 22 × 15 cm

Pages: 22

Language: Japanese

Edition: Edo-period original

Condition: Fair – age-related wear, stains, rubbing, small tears, binding intact


NOITICE:

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