[Free Shipping] Shiranui Monogatari – Ghosts, Yokai –A Single Volume from the 116-Book Series 14 - Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 40
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Original Edo-period Japanese woodblock-printed illustrated book (ehon) titled Shiranui Monogatari, with artwork by Utagawa Kunisada, published in Japan during the Edo Period, measuring 17.5 × 11.5 cm and 1 cm thick, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Item Description:
This is a highly collectible original Japanese woodblock-printed illustrated book (ehon) from the late Edo period, titled:
"Shiranui Monogatari" (The Tale of Shiranui)
Published in Kaei 2 (1849), this work marks the beginning of one of the most iconic serialized supernatural novels of the 19th century. Shiranui Monogatari is a celebrated multi-volume epic (66 parts, 116 volumes in total) that became a sensation in Edo-era popular literature for its thrilling narratives of revenge, heroism, ghosts, shapeshifting creatures, and strange phenomena.
The book belongs to the kusazōshi or kibyōshi genre — richly illustrated popular fiction books designed for a mass readership in the Edo period. This volume is written by Ryūkatei Tanekazu, a well-known author of gesaku (playful literature), and illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and other prominent artists of the Utagawa school, including Yoshitora and Yoshiiku.
Highlights:
Features vivid black-and-white woodblock illustrations and dramatic narrative text in classical Japanese.
Includes a color frontispiece (口絵) and kabuki-style character portraits, adding visual richness.
Depicts scenes with yūrei (ghosts), bakemono (monsters), a giant spider, and supernatural battles on stormy seas and moonlit nights.
Bound in traditional stab-binding (tetsuyōsō) format with original textured covers.
An exceptional early volume that sets the tone for the remaining 65 parts of the series.
Shiranui Monogatari was not only a literary phenomenon but also a visual one — each page showcases the synergy between text and image, embodying the entertainment culture of late-Edo urban life.
Size:
Height: 17.5 cm
Width: 11.5 cm
Thickness: 1 cm
Weight: 67 g
Artist Profile:
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786–1865)
A prolific and influential ukiyo-e master of the Utagawa school, Kunisada specialized in actor portraits, beauty prints, and book illustrations. His collaborations with authors like Ryūkatei Tanekazu made him a defining figure in 19th-century visual storytelling.
Ryūkatei Tanekazu (1807–1858)
A leading writer of gesaku literature, known for serialized fiction filled with intrigue, ghosts, vengeance, and samurai honor. His works were widely read by the merchant class during the Edo period.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description:
This is a highly collectible original Japanese woodblock-printed illustrated book (ehon) from the late Edo period, titled:
"Shiranui Monogatari" (The Tale of Shiranui)
Published in Kaei 2 (1849), this work marks the beginning of one of the most iconic serialized supernatural novels of the 19th century. Shiranui Monogatari is a celebrated multi-volume epic (66 parts, 116 volumes in total) that became a sensation in Edo-era popular literature for its thrilling narratives of revenge, heroism, ghosts, shapeshifting creatures, and strange phenomena.
The book belongs to the kusazōshi or kibyōshi genre — richly illustrated popular fiction books designed for a mass readership in the Edo period. This volume is written by Ryūkatei Tanekazu, a well-known author of gesaku (playful literature), and illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and other prominent artists of the Utagawa school, including Yoshitora and Yoshiiku.
Highlights:
Features vivid black-and-white woodblock illustrations and dramatic narrative text in classical Japanese.
Includes a color frontispiece (口絵) and kabuki-style character portraits, adding visual richness.
Depicts scenes with yūrei (ghosts), bakemono (monsters), a giant spider, and supernatural battles on stormy seas and moonlit nights.
Bound in traditional stab-binding (tetsuyōsō) format with original textured covers.
An exceptional early volume that sets the tone for the remaining 65 parts of the series.
Shiranui Monogatari was not only a literary phenomenon but also a visual one — each page showcases the synergy between text and image, embodying the entertainment culture of late-Edo urban life.
Size:
Height: 17.5 cm
Width: 11.5 cm
Thickness: 1 cm
Weight: 67 g
Artist Profile:
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (1786–1865)
A prolific and influential ukiyo-e master of the Utagawa school, Kunisada specialized in actor portraits, beauty prints, and book illustrations. His collaborations with authors like Ryūkatei Tanekazu made him a defining figure in 19th-century visual storytelling.
Ryūkatei Tanekazu (1807–1858)
A leading writer of gesaku literature, known for serialized fiction filled with intrigue, ghosts, vengeance, and samurai honor. His works were widely read by the merchant class during the Edo period.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Artist
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)
Country of Origin
Japan
Height
17.5 cm
Width
11.5 cm
Title of artwork
[Free Shipping] Shiranui Monogatari – Ghosts, Yokai –A Single Volume from the 116-Book Series 14
Depth
1 cm
Condition
Good condition
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