Item Description This is an original woodblock-printed Japanese book titled "Settsu Meisho Zue" (Famous Places of Settsu Province), Volume 1 focusing on Sumiyoshi County, published in Kansei 10 (1798). This masterpiece was authored by Akisato Ritō and illustrated by the renowned ukiyo-e artist Takehara Shunchōsai. The Settsu Meisho Zue is one of the most important illustrated guides to famous places in Japanese publishing history. It documents the Settsu Province (present-day northern Osaka and southeastern Hyogo) with exquisite woodblock-printed illustrations. This volume captures the vibrant energy of Edo-period Osaka, featuring numerous spectacular ukiyo-e illustrations depicting street scenes, landmarks, and daily life in the bustling commercial capital. The book showcases the distinctive bird's-eye view perspectives and detailed realistic illustrations that made this series famous. Each illustration is accompanied by poetic descriptions and historical information, making it both an artistic achievement and a valuable historical record. The work was created through actual on-site research and represents the pinnacle of meisho zue (illustrated guides to famous places) publishing. This volume features the original woodblock printing, large format (ōbon size), thick binding, and original title slip (daisen). The book shows the authentic character of an Edo-period publication, with some age-related wear including minor insect damage, which is to be expected for a work over 225 years old. Size Height: 25.5 cm Width: 18 cm Depth: 2 cm Weight 183 g Condition This rare Edo-period book shows characteristic age-related wear with minor insect damage and general signs of aging, consistent with its 227-year history. Artist Profile Akisato Ritō (dates unknown, active 1780s-1820s) was an Edo-period author and haiku poet from Kyoto, renowned as a pioneer of the meisho zue (illustrated guide) genre. His 1780 publication "Miyako Meisho Zue" (Famous Places of Kyoto) with illustrator Takehara Shunchōsai became a bestseller, establishing the template for illustrated guidebooks. Akisato traveled throughout Japan with artists, conducting on-site research to create dozens of meisho zue covering various regions. His works combined scholarly accuracy with popular appeal, making Japanese geography and culture accessible to common readers. Takehara Shunchōsai (unknown - 1801) was a prominent ukiyo-e artist from Osaka who specialized in landscape and architectural illustration. A student of Ōoka Shunboku, he revolutionized illustrated publishing by developing sophisticated bird's-eye view techniques and realistic architectural rendering. His partnership with Akisato Ritō produced some of the most important illustrated guides of the Edo period. Shunchōsai's style combined meticulous detail with artistic composition, making his illustrations both informative and aesthetically pleasing. His work in the Settsu Meisho Zue series represents the peak of Edo-period topographical illustration. NOTICE: 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.