Rare Complete Set of 3 Volumes – “Sono Na mo Takahashi Dokujo no Koden: Tokyo Kibun” (1879) Original Japanese Woodblock-Printed Kusazōshi (Illustrated Popular Fiction) – Complete Upper, Middle & Lower Volumes Offered here is an exceptionally rare complete set of three volumes (Jō, Chū, Ge) of “Sono Na mo Takahashi Dokujo no Koden: Tokyo Kibun”, published in Meiji 12 (1879). This work belongs to the fascinating world of Meiji-period Kusazōshi, the illustrated popular literature that bridged the transition from Edo-period storytelling to modern Japanese publishing. Complete surviving examples are increasingly difficult to find, especially in matching sets of all three volumes. The story is based on the sensationalized account of Takahashi Oden, one of the most notorious female criminals of early Meiji Japan. Her life and crimes inspired numerous literary and theatrical works, making her a legendary figure in Japanese popular culture. Publications related to Takahashi Oden are highly sought after today as important documents of Meiji-era social history, crime literature, and visual culture. A particular highlight of this set is the abundance of finely executed woodblock illustrations by the respected artist Ōsai Fusatane (Sakurazai Fusatane / 櫻斎房種). The volumes contain numerous vividly colored ukiyo-e style illustrations that capture dramatic scenes with remarkable energy and detail. These illustrations provide an invaluable visual record of the changing tastes and aesthetics of early Meiji Japan. Features Original Japanese woodblock-printed book Published in 1879 (Meiji 12) Complete set of 3 volumes (Upper, Middle, Lower) Title: Sono Na mo Takahashi Dokujo no Koden: Tokyo Kibun Richly illustrated throughout Numerous original ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Ōsai Fusatane Important example of Meiji-period popular literature and publishing Highly desirable for collectors of ukiyo-e, kusazōshi, Japanese books, and Meiji cultural history Condition The set is in fair to generally good antique condition for its age. Expected wear from handling and age is present, including rubbing, creasing, edge wear, stains, foxing, and signs of use consistent with nineteenth-century Japanese paper books. The volumes remain complete and retain strong visual appeal, particularly in the woodblock illustrations. A remarkably scarce and historically significant complete kusazōshi set that rarely appears on the international market. ■ IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING ● bidding and payment please do not place a bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment. by placing a bid, you confirm that you fully intend to complete the purchase and make payment if you win the auction. non-paying bidders cause serious inconvenience and delays. if payment is not completed after repeated reminders from catawiki, the order may be cancelled and handled strictly in accordance with catawiki policies. ● condition of the item all items are vintage, antique, or pre-owned items unless otherwise stated. signs of age, wear, scratches, stains, or minor imperfections should be expected. please carefully examine all photos and the description before bidding. the photos form an important part of the description. bids based on misunderstanding of the item's condition will not be accepted as grounds for cancellation. ● countries we do not ship to we currently do not ship to the United States. we also temporarily do not ship to Portugal due to ongoing international logistics disruptions caused by the situation in the middle east, which has resulted in returned shipments and unstable delivery conditions. bids from these countries will be cancelled. please do not place a bid if your shipping address is located in any of the above countries. ● international situation - possible shipping limitations due to the recent deterioration of the security situation in parts of the world, including the middle east, shipping to certain countries or regions may become difficult or temporarily unavailable. if shipment to the buyer’s country or region becomes impossible due to international conditions, transportation restrictions, sanctions, or postal service suspensions, the order may be cancelled even after the auction ends. we appreciate your understanding that such circumstances are beyond the seller’s control. ● important notice for buyers in italy due to persistent delays with the italian postal service and customs procedures, delivery to italy may take one month or longer. please place a bid only if you fully understand and accept this extended delivery time. once the item has been shipped, delays caused by postal services or customs are completely beyond the seller’s control. complaints or cancellation requests due to slow delivery after shipment will not be accepted. ● no combined shipping this lot cannot be combined with other items. even if multiple items are purchased from the same seller in this auction, each item will be shipped separately. ● shipping method and delivery time all items are shipped from japan 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. ● import duties and taxes (EU buyers) please note that import duties, VAT, and any other taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost. for buyers in the european union, your country’s customs authorities may charge import VAT or other fees when the parcel arrives in your country. these charges are determined entirely by the customs authorities of the destination country and are outside the seller’s control. these charges are the buyer’s responsibility. by placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these conditions before participating in the auction. ● customs contact and buyer responsibility customs authorities or local delivery companies may contact you by phone or email regarding customs clearance. the buyer is solely responsible for responding promptly and completing any required customs procedures. failure to respond to customs inquiries may result in delays, additional charges, or the return of the parcel. ● returned parcels if a parcel is returned due to: non-response to customs, refusal of delivery, or unpaid import taxes, reshipping will require payment of double the original shipping cost. ● force majeure the seller shall not be held responsible for delays, shipping interruptions, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond the seller’s control, including but not limited to: war or political instability, international sanctions, postal service suspensions, customs restrictions, or natural disasters. in such cases, the order may be cancelled if shipment becomes impossible. ● agreement by placing a bid, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above conditions.