鶴亭秀賀/梅蝶楼国貞（3代目歌川国貞） - 七変化-Shichihenge - 1864

Shichihenge (七変化) – Complete Set in 3 Volumes (Upper & Lower Books), 1864 (Bunkyū 4)
Written by Tsuruya (Kakutei) Shūga | Illustrated by Baichōrō Kunisada (Utagawa Kunisada III)
Published by Kinshōdō, Edo (1864)

Offered here is a rare and highly evocative Edo-period illustrated woodblock-printed book, Shichihenge (“Seven Transformations”), compiled in eleven chapters and published in Bunkyū 4 (1864), the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Although structured as upper and lower books, the work is complete in three volumes. It is a classic gōkan (illustrated popular fiction) that vividly depicts the fashions, customs, and urban culture of late Edo-period Japan.

The text was written by Tsuruya (Kakutei) Shūga, and the illustrations were created by Baichōrō Kunisada, better known as Utagawa Kunisada III, one of the leading masters of the Utagawa school in the closing years of the Edo period. The volumes are richly illustrated with finely printed ukiyo-e woodblock prints, showcasing elegant bijin (beautiful women), elaborate kimono patterns, and expressive compositions characteristic of mid-19th century popular publishing.

Published by the Edo-based merchant publisher Kinshōdō, this work reflects the flourishing commercial book culture of the time. The dynamic interplay between text and image embodies the aesthetic sensibilities and entertainment culture of late Edo townspeople.

Bibliographic Details:

Title: Shichihenge (七変化)

Chapters: Eleven (十一篇)

Date: Bunkyū 4 (1864)

Author: Tsuruya (Kakutei) Shūga

Illustrator: Baichōrō Kunisada (Utagawa Kunisada III)

Format: Upper and Lower books, complete in 3 volumes

Technique: Woodblock-printed book (wahon), with ukiyo-e illustrations

Publisher: Kinshōdō, Edo

Condition:
As expected for an original work printed in 1864, the volumes show signs of age, including wear to covers, minor soiling, and typical handling marks. These age-related characteristics are consistent with authentic Edo-period washi paper books and contribute to their historical presence. Please refer carefully to the photographs for detailed condition assessment.

An important and visually compelling example of late Edo-period popular literature, combining literary narrative and ukiyo-e artistry. A desirable acquisition for collectors of Japanese woodblock prints, Edo-period illustrated books, and Utagawa-school works.

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