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: 1.5 cm Weight: 73 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.