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. ■ important notice - please read before bidding do not bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment. we do not ship knives to the united kingdom due to uk law. we do not ship knives to certain other countries where knife imports are restricted or prohibited. we do not ship to the united states or canada. bids that violate these conditions will be cancelled. ● important notice regarding payment do not bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment. please place a bid only if you fully intend to complete the purchase and make payment. non-paying bidders cause serious inconvenience and delays. if payment is not completed after multiple reminders from catawiki, the order may be cancelled and handled strictly in accordance with catawiki’s policies, without exception. ● shipping restrictions - knives due to uk law and import regulations, we do not ship knives to the united kingdom. knife imports are legally restricted in the uk and shipment is not permitted. due to local laws and customs regulations, we also do not ship knives to certain other countries. please check your country’s import laws before bidding. bids placed in violation of these restrictions will be cancelled. ● important notice for buyers in italy due to persistent delays with the italian postal service and customs, delivery to italy may take one month or longer. please bid only if you fully understand and accept this extended delivery time. once the item has been shipped, all delays are completely beyond the seller’s control. no complaints, claims, or cancellation requests will be accepted due to slow delivery after shipment. ● important shipping restrictions united states: we do not ship to the united states. bids from the us will be cancelled. canada: due to the ongoing canada post strike, we do not ship to canada. please do not place a bid if your shipping address is in any of the above countries. ● no combined shipping this lot cannot be combined with other items. even if you purchase multiple items from the same seller in this auction, each item will be shipped separately. ● shipping method and delivery time this item will be shipped exclusively via japan post and carefully packaged. estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination country and customs procedures. delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. ● customs, import duties, and taxes import duties, vat, taxes, and any additional charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. all such charges are strictly the buyer’s responsibility. the seller will not undervalue items or mark them as gifts under any circumstances. ● customs contact and returned parcels customs authorities or local delivery companies may contact you by phone or email for clearance. you are solely responsible for responding promptly. if the parcel is returned due to non-response or refusal, reshipping will require payment of double the original shipping cost. by placing a bid, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above conditions.