【Important notes】 ・International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. ・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item. 【Product details】 This Meiji period or later book, "Fukuwarai" (translated as "Lucky Laugh"), features short humorous stories by popular rakugo storytellers of the era, each accompanied by their signature and seal. The book includes colorful illustrations by Kita Busei, one of the notable artists of the time. A particularly striking illustration shows the legendary hero Momotaro surrounded by treasure while a subdued demon kneels before him. A samurai looking pheasant stands nearby, but the usual companions of Momotaro—dog and monkey—are not depicted, perhaps signifying a peaceful scene following the climactic defeat of the demon. The illustration captures a serene moment of reconciliation and reward. Kita Busei (1776-1856) was a prominent late Edo period painter from Edo (now Tokyo). He was a student of Tani Buncho and traveled throughout Kansai to help compile the "Shuko Jisshu" collection. He specialized in painting people and birds in the style of Kano Tanyu and illustrated works by authors like Santo Kyoden. The book shows signs of age, such as wear, stains, wrinkles, corner folds, discoloration, and wormholes. Please review the photos to understand its condition fully. Dimension: approx. H 18 cm W 12 cm D 0.2 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!