Item Description This is the complete three-volume set of "Oooku no Jochuu" (Women of the Great Interior), a rare historical work authored by 池田晃淵 Ikeda Kouen and published by Tomiyamabo in 1901 (Meiji 34). This comprehensive work provides a detailed account of the lives and customs of women who served in the Oooku, the inner quarters of Edo Castle where the Tokugawa Shogun's consorts and female attendants resided. The Oooku was a strictly regulated, male-forbidden sanctuary within Edo Castle, housing hundreds of women who served the shogun's family. This three-volume work offers fascinating insights into the hierarchical system of female servants, from the highest-ranking Otoshiyori (senior ladies) to lower-ranking attendants, their daily routines, ceremonies, and the intricate etiquette that governed life in this mysterious world. Ikeda Kouen, a historian from the former Matsumae Domain, specialized in Edo period history and wrote this work during the early Meiji period when memories of the Oooku system were still fresh after the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The text is written in classical Japanese, reflecting the literary style of the late 19th century. The set comprises: Volume 1 (Joukan/Upper Volume): Foundation of the Oooku system and its hierarchy Volume 2 (Chuukan/Middle Volume): Daily life and customs within the inner palace Volume 3 (Gekan/Lower Volume): Ceremonies, traditions, and concluding accounts All three volumes show signs of age consistent with 120-year-old books, including foxing, staining, and some wear to the covers and pages. Despite these imperfections, the text remains largely readable throughout, and all bindings are intact. This complete set is a valuable addition to any collection of Japanese historical documents or studies of Edo period society. Finding a complete three-volume set in this condition is exceptionally rare, making this an important acquisition for collectors and researchers of Japanese feudal history. Size Volume 1: Height: 22 cm Width: 14.5 cm Depth: 1.5 cm Volume 2: Height: 22 cm Width: 14.5 cm Depth: 1 cm Volume 3: Height: 22 cm Width: 15 cm Depth: 1.5 cm Combined (stacked): Height: 22 cm Width: 15 cm Depth: 4 cm Weight Volume 1: 234 g Volume 2: 186 g Volume 3: 238 g Total: 658 g Condition All three volumes exhibit age-appropriate wear including foxing, staining, and minor damage to covers and pages, but remain intact with readable text throughout and original bindings preserved. 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.